Baby development is dependent on movement and play. As pediatric therapists we understand that play is your child's primary occupation and that through play, they develop motor skills, cognition, language, and so much more! Allowing your baby to spend time on the floor and engage in free play is essential for their development. It not only affects their gross motor development but it also impacts many developmental domains. Here are just a few examples of how structured floor time play can impact your child’s development:
Physical Development:
Spending time on the floor allows babies to develop their gross motor skills, such as crawling and rolling over. It also helps to build strength in their neck, shoulders, and upper body, which is important for future milestones like sitting, crawling and walking.
Cognitive Development:
Engaging in play with toys and other objects on the floor can help babies develop their cognitive skills, such as problem solving and spatial awareness.
Sensory Development:
Playing on the floor allows babies to explore and discover different textures, colors, and shapes which help to develop their sense of touch, sight, and other senses.
Social and Emotional Development:
When on the floor, parents and caregivers can help babies develop social and emotional skills, such as communication and understanding emotions.
Independence:
Spending time on the floor also allows babies to explore their environment independently which helps them to develop a sense of autonomy and self-confidence.
Now that you know how important floor play can be, let's discuss what you can do on the floor! Floor play involves so much more than just placing a baby down on the floor to play. Here are some ideas to guide you in creating play opportunities that will maximize your child's development through the early years:
Play with toys: Place toys within reach of your baby during tummy time to encourage them to lift their head and reach for them. If your child is already lifting their head, then scatter the toys in a circle around them. This positioning encourages turning, rolling, and creeping or crawling, especially when your little one is pushing in their elbows and hands.
Sing songs or read books: Use this time to bond with your baby by singing songs or reading books while they are on their stomach.
Use a mirror: place a small mirror within reach of your baby to help them develop their visual skills and to encourage them to lift their head.
Use a playmat with different textures: Place your baby on a playmat with different textures (such as a soft blanket, fluffy rug, or bumpy mat) to help develop their sense of touch.
Use a baby gym: Hang toys from a baby gym above your baby to encourage them to reach and grab.
Use a rolled-up towel: Place a rolled-up towel under your baby's chest to help them to learn to lift their head and shoulders.
Crawl with your baby: Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around with your baby to encourage them to mimic your movements.
As developmental therapists we understand the importance of providing infants with structured opportunities to engage in free play on the floor. We know that babies need tummy time and a chance to move on the floor without use of a Bumbo seat, swing or other baby products.
It is important to always supervise your baby during tummy time, and to make sure they are comfortable and safe.
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