Tummy Time | Intellidance

Physical Activity Recommendations for Infants

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and Participaction have just released their Physical Activity Guidelines for Ages 0-4. This is great news for professionals like myself who have a mandate to increase awareness about the importance of daily movement and play for children.

Although it may seem redundant to put in place guidelines for physical activity for young children who seem to constantly be on the go, there is an increasing prevalence of digital play (TV, computers, video games, and touch devices) being marketed to younger and younger children.

Fuzzy Caterpillar Song- Baby Creeping and Crawling Development

Fingers and Fun: Fine Motor Development in Toddlers

Developing Fine Motor Skills

Between 12-24 months, your toddler is making major leaps in her gross motor development. Standing, walking, running, and climbing keep her on the go and keep you on your toes. During your busy day it can be easy to overlook some of the fine motor skills your toddler is working on mastering, but if you watch closely you will be amazed at her growth!

By 12 months your toddler has begun using a pincer grasp, picking up objects using his thumb and index finger. He may bang two blocks together or place them in a container while playing. He will start voluntarily letting go of an object (as long as you have something more interesting he wants) and may use his index finger to point to new or desired objects. Over the next 12 months, he will work on refining these skills further, developing more control and precision.

Tummy Time Tips

Last week I read this article: Lack of 'tummy time' causes developmental delays in children. The article describes the prevalence of "Bucket Babies", babies who are spending too much time in containers such as car seats or swings and are not getting enough tummy time. While the health sector does encourage parents to engage in tummy time there is often a lack of explanation why this is so important long term. Tummy time develops coordination and refines fine motor control for activities such as holding a pencil/writing, using scissors, tying shoes, using a zipper or catching a ball.

Baby Brain Play: 8 activities for brain and body development

This version of the Brain Play™ can be used with babies as young as 6 weeks up to 18 months. These activities are based on research in early brain development and inspiration from other movement educators such as Anne Green Gilbert's BrainDance, and Beverly Stokes' Amazing Babies, and the joy I saw that these activities brought my girls from the time they were born. These activities are designed to foster your baby's body awareness, assist with early brain development, and strengthen the caregiver-baby emotional connection. Brain Play™ can take as little as 5 minutes to complete or take your time repeating favourite sections or adding movements concepts for a longer more varied experience.

From C to S: How to Nurture your Baby's Spine Development

“Stand up straight!” We have all heard this at some point in our lives. And while the intention of encouraging proper spinal alignment is good, our spines are actually not straight, nor should they ever be to properly balance us through day-to-day activity and to support our muscles and organs. A properly developed spine is actually shaped like an elongated S. The first year of life and the movement experiences you provide your baby are key to the proper spinal development.

The Primary Curve: C shape

Rolling Right Along! Nurturing Rolling Development

Rolling is a milestone that is bound to excite your baby as much as it excites you. Rolling allows your baby to transition from a world that moves around him to one he moves through! But remember not to rush your baby. Rolling takes about 3 months to master. When this natural progression is followed your baby will not only learn the coordination skills needed to roll safely with control, but also strengthen and support core muscles and spine development.

Between 3-4 months: