There are always many parents who worry about whether their baby is [stunted] when they see the baby turning over, climbing and walking a little late.
Well, Dr. Clove can also understand the idea of Bao’s parents [want to do some what for the baby]. Today, I’d like to introduce a group of baby exercises, which can help the baby exercise muscle strength and make it easier for the baby to crawl, stand and walk in the future.
Section 1 Grasping Exercise
This exercise tests the baby’s grip reflex.
Parents can put an index finger in each hand of the baby, and the baby will grasp the index finger of parents.
Then, gently pull the baby’s hands towards himself, and the baby will pull back the parents’ fingers. Note that the strength should not be too great and the baby’s head and shoulders should not be raised.
If the baby’s hand is tightly clenched into a fist, the finger cannot be put in, and the baby’s hand will open with a gentle pat and knock.
Section 2 Arms Crossing
This exercise can let the baby relax the muscles of the chest and upper back.
Parents can put their thumbs into the baby’s palm, and the baby will grasp their thumbs.
Then, gently pull the baby’s arm apart and cross the chest. You can repeat this movement slowly, gently and rhythmically.
Third Arm Up
This exercise can increase the flexibility of the baby’s shoulders.
Grab the baby’s forearm on one side, lift the baby’s arm above the top of the head, and then put it back on both sides.
Repeat this movement slowly, gently and rhythmically. Then repeat on the other side.
Finally, you can do the cross-arm exercise: lift one side and lower the other side at the same time.
Section 4 Leg Bending
This exercise can increase the flexibility of the baby’s knees and help the baby exhaust.
Let the baby lie on his back, grab one of his calves, and then gently bend his knees to the chest and abdomen.
Next, gently lower his legs and straighten them. Then repeat on the other side.
Finally, you can do cross exercises: when one knee is bent, the other is straightened.
Section 5 Peristalsis Exercise
When the baby can control his head slightly, this exercise helps him stretch his legs and strengthen the muscles of his lower back.
Let the baby lie prone, bend his knees, and let the baby lie under his body. Then, parents can hold their hands against the soles of the baby’s feet to make the baby’s feet close to his hips.
This kind of pressure will make the baby’s legs push straight, so that the baby’s body will wriggle and move forward.
Section 6 Baby Bounce Practice
This exercise can relax the baby’s whole body.
Let the baby lie on his back or prone on a very large and somewhat discouraged beach ball, foam pad, bed or any soft and elastic surface.
Slowly, gently and rhythmically press the place around the baby so that he can shake up and down and help the baby relax.
Parents can also try to pat the baby’s abdomen, chest, back, arms and legs rhythmically.
Tips from Dr. Clove
Before doing baby exercises, parents should pay attention to the following points:
1. Make sure the baby has a certain foundation, for example, has begun to try to wriggle the body.
2. The baby is awake and happy before doing exercises, so as to prevent the baby from linking exercises with annoying emotions.
3. Pay attention to safety, put the baby in a strong and safe place, and be gentle in strength.