#asktheexpert what exercise should I start to my baby

Question

Accepted Answer

For a baby, especially under 1 year old, physical activity and exercise are more about encouraging movement and exploration rather than structured exercises. The goal is to support your baby's physical development and motor skills in a fun, natural way. Here are some suitable activities for different stages of your baby’s growth:

1. For Newborns (0-3 Months): Tummy Time: Start tummy time early to help build neck and shoulder muscles. Lay your baby on their stomach on a soft surface (like a playmat) for short periods, gradually increasing the time as they grow stronger. This helps develop head control and prevents flat spots on the back of their head. Leg Kicks: While your baby is lying on their back, gently move their legs in a cycling motion or encourage them to kick their legs. This helps with coordination and strengthens their leg muscles. Gentle Stretching: While your baby is lying on their back, you can gently move their arms and legs in a circular motion to help them develop flexibility and muscle strength. 2. For Babies (3-6 Months): Tummy Time (Continued): Continue tummy time to help your baby strengthen their neck, back, and arm muscles. This also prepares them for crawling later on. Reaching and Grabbing: Place toys just out of reach to encourage your baby to stretch and grab. This helps develop hand-eye coordination and builds arm strength. Rolling Practice: Gently help your baby roll over from their tummy to their back and vice versa. This helps build core strength and mobility. Sitting Up with Support: Place your baby in a sitting position with support. This helps develop balance and strengthens core muscles. 3. For Babies (6-9 Months): Crawling: Encourage crawling by placing toys or objects just out of reach, motivating your baby to move toward them. You can also place your baby on their tummy and gently help them move their arms and legs in a crawling motion. Standing with Support: Hold your baby's hands and help them "stand" while supporting their weight. This helps build leg strength and prepares them for walking. Clapping and Hand Play: Encourage your baby to clap their hands or reach for toys, which strengthens arm muscles and coordination. 4. For Babies (9-12 Months): Cruising: Once your baby starts pulling themselves up to stand, they may "cruise" along furniture. You can encourage this by placing objects they like along the furniture to encourage movement. Walking with Support: Hold your baby’s hands and guide them while they take steps. Some babies will start walking at this stage, so be sure to offer support as needed. Ball Play: Gently roll a soft ball toward your baby and encourage them to reach for it. This helps improve hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Playing with Blocks: Let your baby stack or knock over blocks. This helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. 5. For Toddlers (1+ Year): Walking and Running: As your baby becomes more mobile, encourage walking and running in a safe, open area. This helps build leg strength and coordination. Dancing: Put on some music and encourage your baby to "dance" by moving their arms and legs. This helps develop rhythm and motor coordination. Climbing: If your baby is strong enough, encourage safe climbing on soft play equipment. Climbing helps build muscle strength and coordination. General Tips: Follow Baby’s Cues: Make sure you always follow your baby’s comfort level. If they seem tired or frustrated, give them a break and try again later. Make It Fun: Always make the activities playful and engaging. This will keep your baby motivated and happy during their physical activities. Safety First: Always supervise your baby during any physical activity to ensure their safety.

Physical activity and exercise should always feel like fun and exploration. Babies and toddlers learn best through play and natural movement, so keep the activities lighthearted and interactive!