Like the reflexes that are natural to your Baby, their muscles are also developing strength every day. Some reflexes take time to occur because their muscles are not strong yet, but here are some that you will begin to see after they have gotten stronger:
- Watch your Baby demonstrate walking skills, which at this stage is a reflex. Hold your Baby in a standing position facing you. Next, by placing their weight onto their feet, they will begin to take reflexive steps.
- Baby might begin to lift their head up slowly, when placed on their stomach for tummy time.
- As your Baby’s neck muscles grow stronger, you will see that they can also move their head from side to side.
- Place your finger into their palm, you will see your Baby grasp your finger firmly.
- Bring your Baby’s arms in and out at the same time as you make eye contact and smile. This helps your Baby to learn their center of mid-line.
- Another great exercise to practice, is grabbing your Baby’s legs and making them move in a bicycle motion. You might feel your Baby react by jerking their legs out at the same time, but just bring them back to the circular motions of going in a bicycle motion or going up and down.
A great way to do tummy time is on your chest. Place your Baby in the middle of your bed and lie down next to your little one. Make sure that you do this when you are not tired and end up falling asleep. If you feel tired, it is safer to place a blanket on the floor as you and your Baby lie down together. Make eye contact and talk to your Baby until they are no longer wanting to do tummy time. Tummy time does not have to be long. It can begin with just two minutes at a time. It all depends on how long your Baby is able to tolerate it. Go with your Baby’s cues.
