Mom tries to spend as much time with her baby as possible, to take part in the discoveries and achievements of her baby. When it comes time to learn to crawl, she can help the child with this through training, massage and joint games. Already by the 4th month of life, the crumbs one may wonder how to teach a child to crawl. It is at this age that it is worth starting exercises for learning a similar method of movement.
Why sometimes babies don’t try to crawl
All children show interest in movement from the early months. First, they learn to roll from side to side, then on the stomach in order to see and get an attractive object. Wanting to figure out how to teach a child to crawl, it is worthwhile to find the answer to the question of why the baby does not tend to crawl. If the baby does not make attempts to crawl for a long time, there can be two reasons for this: either he still cannot physically perform such movements, or he lacks motivation. For example, if the child is limited in space, as he is in the arena, surrounded by available toys. The kid needs space, security and an attractive object, which will be located at a distance, but in sight. And the baby will certainly strive to get it by any means. The development of a child of the first year of life can occur at different speeds in different situations. Do not rush to despair if the infant of a friend knows what your baby is not yet capable of.
Massage is a good preparation
Before you teach your child to crawl, you need to help him strengthen his muscles with massage. Whether to do it yourself at home or turn to a professional, each mother should decide for herself. The specialist will achieve the result faster, but mother’s hands will give the baby more pleasure. It is enough to give massage 10 minutes in the morning and before evening swimming. The movements of mother's hands should be gentle and smooth. Massage the legs from the feet to the hips, the arms from the hands to the shoulders. The back of the baby needs light strokes up and down without additional pressure. The tummy will benefit from a circular massage in a clockwise direction. Be careful, calculate your strength! To enhance the effect, use massage oil for babies or baby cream.
What exercises to teach crawling can be applied
Physical exercises to strengthen the child can be carried out before massage. If the baby likes them, then they can be done 3-4 times a day to the rhythmic children's music. It will turn out fitness for the baby. Exercises for acquiring crawling skills in children up to a year:
- Handles up. Twist a soft small roller from a terry towel. Place it under the baby’s chest. Then get your baby's attention with a toy. The roller will allow the baby's hands to freely reach for an interesting subject and maintain balance. This is the training of the vestibular apparatus.
- "Turtle". Use a small pillow to support the baby under the stomach. Thus, the child will take a position on all fours. Do not forget to put a bright toy in sight. Gently pull the pillow toward the toy. There will be no limit to the joy of the baby! But even if he carefully pulls his legs and pushes off his hands.
- Fitness. In the supine position, cross the handle and the opposite leg of the child at the level of the abdomen. Then do this with the other leg and handle. In the supine position, bend the baby's legs under the tummy for 3 seconds, then return to its original position. When a child tries to push his feet off the surface, put your hands under the heels, give them support for movement.
Such exercises will require a little effort and time, but will give good results. Stock up on attractive
musical toys to keep your child interested in activities. During joint games, we crawl along with the child, show an example of how to move. The kid will definitely appreciate this game and join you. I hope that you were able to answer the question for yourself on how to teach a child to crawl.