Infant Stimulation Activity 112: swim lessons

Many pools offer "swim lessons" for babies once they are 6 months old. I put this in quotes as children generally are not developmentally ready for formal swim lessons until at least age 3 or 4. Most programs for a 6-month-old are a parent-child class where the parent holds the baby while in the pool. This is the perfect set-up for an infant stimulation activity!

Together you will enjoy the sensation of the water. Water is caressing and its buoyancy will be a whole new feeling for you both. Also, what a great change of pace during the winter months!

A good class will have you singing songs, moving through the water while holding your baby, eventually experiencing splashing water, and possibly even having baby go under water. You and your baby should be enjoying yourselves; this activity not only should build a foundation for a love of the water, but should provide a quality face-to-face bonding experience between you and your baby.

Infant Stimulation Activity 111: baby roll

Does it seem like your baby wants to roll? Is he wiggling around while on his back, flopping his hands from side to side? Can he already roll from his tummy time position to his back? You can get in on the action with him by helping him practice. If it is nice weather, you can go outside and put a blanket down on a slight incline which will make it easier for him to roll.

Indoors you can gently roll baby from side to side encouraging the motion and generally enjoying some fun time together. Remember, infant stimulation is about time spent together and interaction; don't worry about whether your baby is actually rolling or not. He will be moving around soon enough!

Infant Stimulation Activity 8: MOTION

We haven’t discussed motion yet. Yes, this is a stimulator for your baby. She is learning her preferences and learning about motor coordination as you stimulate movement. For newborns, this is as simple as varying positions – putting baby on her back and putting baby on her stomach. Does your baby prefer being picked up to being put down? That is 4 stimulators for you to try today!

CAUTION: NO MOVEMENT YOU DO WITH YOUR BABY SHOULD EVER ALLOW HER HEAD TO MOVE SEPARATELY FROM HER BODY; YOU MUST SUPPORT YOUR BABY’S HEAD AND NECK DURING ALL ACTIVITIES AND BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL DURING INFANT STIMULATION ACTIVITIES FOR MOTION

AND: NEVER TOSS A BABY IN THE AIR – WHICH GOES ALONG WITH ALWAYS SUPPORTING HER HEAD AND NECK