Baby Movement
This month is exciting because you should be able to do a little more with your baby. It’s important to try to incorporate exercises 30 minutes after a feeding and right before their next nap. I like to use an exercise mat that is thicker than a Yoga mat, so that it provides enough support for both Mom and baby. The focus is to continue to strengthen those neck and back muscles for crawling.
Teaching “Up” and “Down”
A great way to introduce language and use exercise is by using the word, “up” with your baby. I do this every time I am done changing my baby’s diaper. When you are ready to pick up your baby from a lying down position, grab their wrists with both hands and slowly pull them up to a sitting position. Allow a few seconds for your baby to balance and remain in a sitting position. While you are pulling your baby up, don’t forget to say the word, “up” to them.
Sit Up
Lying Down
When taking your baby to get changed or simply during floor time, make sure that your baby’s legs are in front on them, while in a sitting position. By holding your baby by the wrists, slowly lower them down to a lying down position and say the word, “down.” Their core stomach muscles and head and neck muscles should all be working hard and can clearly be observed. Your baby should be able to lower their head, gently. If they do not, continue having tummy time daily and these exercises. They will soon get there.
Side Lying
Continue lying your baby onto their left and right side. The idea is that they get comfortable with the position to be able to roll onto their back. If your baby does not like this position, place an interesting toy in front of them, while they are on their side and see if they reach for it.
Stand Up
When your baby is in a sitting position, place your hands under each arm and slowly lift your baby up to a standing position. It is important that your baby begin to get used to having their body weight placed on their legs. When your baby’s legs buckle, sit your baby down onto your leg to rest or on the floor mat again.
Sitting Down
Many people like to use a Boppy Pillow for practicing a sitting position. Between 4 and 5 months, your baby will not be able to sit up completely on their own, even with support. Sit down with your baby on the floor and keep your baby in between your legs. Your abdomen will be their back support and your legs will be on each side, in case they should lose their balance. This is a great time to share a literacy moment and read a book to your baby. Make sure to get a texture book and rub your baby’s hands across various textures, while reading aloud.
Serve and Return
This floor exercise is easy and fun to do! While your baby is lying down on their back, lie down next to them or stand on your hands and knees right above your baby. Make vocal noises and see if your baby will imitate you right back. Blow raspberries, make cooing sounds using “ga” and “ba” or “aa.”
Tips
Treasure Basket
Now is a great time to have a treasure basket. Fill up your basket with toys that your baby can hold and add a scarf in there. The scarf will be used for month 5’s exercises, so stay tuned! You can place soft ribbon in the basket and watch your baby look, while they hold it and focus. Discuss the color and the texture, using adjectives that describe it. Remember to always be present when your baby is around their treasure basket, for safety.
Safety
Now is a good time to understand a safety tip. Whether your baby is able to grab an object and bring it to their own mouth yet, or not, there is a big safety issue every parent should be aware of. Any object that can fit into a toilet paper roll, can fit into your baby’s throat, so get into the habit of always scanning your floor area for anything that your baby could pick up at any time.
