5 Ways to Help Your Baby Develop Proper Motor Skills
For most parents-to-be, the moment they find out they’re pregnant and set eyes on their baby through the ultrasound can be moments they’ll never forget. It can almost feel as if the ground underneath your feet has shifted, and everything you do henceforth is geared around making sure your baby gets the best of everything. If you’re a first-time parent or have your second or third, the process can always be daunting. Birth itself can be a pretty traumatic process for the mother and the baby, and it’s only natural to be anxious about your baby getting the safest possible environment. As the months pass, you want to ensure you give your baby the proper environment for them to develop every step of the way. As your baby continues to grow in strength, you’ll want to start focusing on their motor skills. Motor skills help your baby explore and learn more about the world, and if you’re interested in helping hone them, keep reading below.
1. Keep an eye out for anything amiss
It can be incomprehensible for most parents to imagine their child has suffered trauma before or during birth. However, despite getting the best care, there can sometimes be negligence that can lead to long-term consequences for your family. In some cases, you might notice something amiss in the very beginning. In others, however, you might not notice something is wrong until a few months later.
Erb’s palsy is a birth defect that can affect your child’s motor skills and is caused by negligence during birth. Using excess force during birth, such as by pulling too hard on the baby, can cause nerves to tear, leading to long-term motor issues. If your child has a deformity, lack of movement, or spasms in one arm, they may have Erb’s palsy. Treatments, although expensive, can be life-changing for your child, and getting a settlement is your best bet at getting them. Getting in touch with firms that handle brachial plexus lawsuits can help you get an idea of settlement expectations based on your child’s condition.
2. Know your milestones
Figuring out what your child’s milestones are is essential to ensuring healthy motor development. In these early months, motor development is often the biggest indicator of overall healthy development, so knowing which behaviors your child needs to exhibit at which age is crucial.
During the first six months, your child’s movements will be restricted largely to their hands and, to some extent, legs. As they grow older, their grip will strengthen, and they’ll start grasping things and making a raking motion once they’re around nine months old. When they’re a year old, your baby should be actively grabbing things, trying to put things in their mouth, and may even try to start moving around. Although a little delay can be normal, if your baby is falling far behind on any of these milestones or exhibiting any other signs of abnormality, getting in touch with a doctor is the best choice. Doing so can help you rule out potential issues early on and ensure your child is healthy.
3. Tummy time
You might be skeptical of tummy time if you’re new to parenting. It can seem unlikely that leaving your child on their stomach for some time might aid in their motor development. However, tummy time is easily one of the most effective ways of helping your child develop motor skills. Tummy time is crucial in helping your child strengthen their back, neck, shoulder, and limbs and helping them get on their feet faster.
However, it’s important to start small when giving your baby some tummy time. To begin, start by placing them in a semi-reclined position. Once they develop enough to lift their head, place a rolled towel underneath them for support, and keep the time short for up to a minute. Tummy time can get frustrating for your baby, so it’s important not to wear them out and take breaks. To make this time enjoyable, give them their favorite toys, or keep talking to them while they’re upside down.
4. Give them massages
After a long day, you’re not the only one who might need a little break and a massage. Massages are necessary to ensure your baby has the best chance of developing proper motor skills. Especially when they’re younger, your babies can have difficulty moving around and getting the blood flowing throughout their bodies.
A vigorous massage won’t just be a bonding experience that brings you and your child closer but can be exceptional for their motor development. Using soft, gentle strokes and massage oil, go over your baby’s legs, arms, and back, ensuring you can give them proper stimulation. It can also help to gently move your baby’s legs, arms, and torso side to side, getting the blood running. Regular massages for at least 10-15 minutes a few days a week can help you strengthen your baby’s muscles and help them develop motor skills.
5. Give them a challenge
While in the first few days, your baby won’t be interested in anything other than eating and sleeping, they’ll grow more interested in the world around them as they grow older. As your baby’s curiosity grows, you can start giving them mildly challenging situations that help them develop motor skills. One of the best ways to encourage motor development in your child is by placing their favorite toys out of reach.
If your child is at the age where they can lift their head and glance around, you can start practicing this with them. Start by placing objects nearby, where they can grab them by straining a little, and gradually increase the distance. This tactic will teach your baby to challenge themselves and keep them from getting frustrated if they can never reach anything. Celebrating with your child when they do manage to reach the objects can further encourage them.
Conclusion
Raising a baby is no easy task, and even the earliest days can mean a lot of hard work on your part. Proper motor skills are one of the key factors to watch out for. This guide can help you figure out the signs of proper development to watch out for and how you can ensure your child’s motor skills develop as they should. By following this guide, you can ensure your child develops healthily.
