How to stimulate your 1 month old baby (2 developmental games)

Rate: (1 Ratings)

There is a reason why newborns reach and grab for things. They want to be active participants in the world around them. It is not enough just to show something to them, but they want to experience it up close and personal also. They are able to do this through their 5 senses, mainly through the sense of touch. Encourage her curiosity with these two great activities. (The following information has been adapted from "BabyCenter.com" and by June R. Oberlander book "Slow and Steady GET ME READY".

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

A variety of soft textured items such as:
silk scarf
a clean feather duster or boa
a piece of satin or velvet
stuffed animal
THINGS YOU'LL NEED FOR 2nd ACTIVITY
Huggies Lotion Lavender scent
yourself

Step1

COLLECT an assortment of soft, touchable household items.

Step2

LIE your baby on her back on a blanket or on the changing table. Take off her shirt and give her tummy a sampling of the different textures.

Step3

ONE at a time, gentle brush each item across her skin and describe each sensation as you go. "Feel the silky scarf? It's very slippery. Feel the lamb? It's fuzzy, isn't it?

Step4

IF your baby tries to grab for the items, go ahead and let her touch and grab at them. If you are sure they are clean and will pose a choking concern, then even put them in her mouth.

Step5

Your baby was born with her sense of touch fully developed and it's the primary way she experiences the world around her. A gentle massage is the 2nd activity to stimulate her sensory development.

Step6

LET your baby roll around naked on a layer of cloth diapers or a plush bath towel (if it's cool in the room, leave his T-shirt on). Warm a dime-size squirt of lotion in your hands by rubbing it between your palms, then very gently rub it into her skin, starting with her soft little feet.

Step7

Rotate each toe, then use your thumbs to press the soles. Work your way up the legs, squeezing her calves and thighs gently as if you were molding clay. (The first few times it's probably best just to do her feet and legs until she gets used to the sensation.)

Step8

For the chest and tummy, place both hands flat against the center of your baby's body, then spread them to the sides, as if flattening the pages of a book.

Step9

With your hands still flat, use your fingertips to stroke outward in small circles. Keep rubbing for as long as she seems to be enjoying it; stop as soon as she starts to get restless.

Tips & Warnings

Remember, each baby develops at his and her own pace. If this is to much stimulation for your baby now, don't worry, you can try again in a few weeks.
The best thing that parents can spend on their child is their time!
As with all child-related activities, materials should be selected with careful attention to child safety
Adult supervision is essential