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At this stage of development, your baby's gross motor skills are rapidly improving although his understanding of each one may still need a little assistance. So far he has rolled over, sat up, pulled himself up, and started to crawl. If he hasn't yet, cruising and walking are right around the corner. Amuse your baby with a variety of gross motor actions. Name and talk about each action as you explore it. By communicating the name of the motion, what body parts he is using, and when to use each one, you will be building an important foundation for skipping, running, riding a bike, and other gross motor concepts.- Crawling - Get down on the floor and crawl with your baby. Does he follow you? Does he allow you to chase him?
- Walking - Hold onto your baby's hands and walk around the room. Place your feet right behind his and nudge him along if he needs a little help. Does he seem stable? Is he able to alternate feet in a walking motion? How long before he seems done with the whole process?
- Climbing - Provide support from behind as your baby attempts to climb up the stairs. Does he seems to understand that his feet, hands, and knees must work together to get the job done?
- Cruising - Stand your baby up against a coffee table or an ottoman. Encourage him to take a few steps or to move around the table while still holding on with his hands. How does he respond?
- Rolling - Rolling over is not a new concept but one that is fun to revisit. Lie on your back and snuggle your baby towards you and up against your chest. Wrapping your arms around him, roll from side to side. "I'm going to put you over here...then I'm going to put you over there." He will begin to anticipate your action and better understand that rotating from one place to another will change his location/position.
- Hopping - Obviously, your baby is not able to hop yet, usually a skill learned during the second year. Place your baby in your arms and hop around the room. Or you can sit on your knees and stand him on his feet facing you. Hold onto his waist and gently lift him up off the ground and back down again. Do this several times as you discuss the movement so he can grasp the gentleness of the motion.
- Dancing - Turn on some music and dance around the room together. Encourage him to sway, rock, and respond to the movements you are making. Teaching rhythm now will gear him up for cutting the rug later. Once he begins walking, you might start to notice him dancing on his own two feet.
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