subject: Why IS Gross Motor Development Important For Newborns? [print this page] Why IS Gross Motor Development Important For Newborns?
Just what is gross motor? Those are the big muscles involving the arms, legs and back. ANY activity using these muscles develops them AND gets rid of wiggles and squirms.
So what can a newborn do? They sleep most of the time, don't they. At least that's what you hope for, isn't it, so you can get some sleep.
You are right, she barely lifts her chin when you bring her home. But before she turns 4 months old, she holds her head steady. Not only that, she begins rolling from her back to side, and even put weight on her arms when placed on her tummy.
Important note...you have been warned against putting him to sleep on his tummy...essential for averting Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, Children placed on their tummies will raise their heads sooner...strengthening neck, back and shoulders...prerequisites to crawling, rolling, pushing up, and eventually standing.
So what's the answer? "Tummy Time." Most pediatricians recommend 30 minutes per day. Yes, but what if she doesn't like "tummy time?"
Our granddaughter did NOT like tummy time! We began with as much time as she would tolerate when she was awake. She fussed and flailed and kicked, so we distracted her with brightly colored, noisy, and lighted toys. But all that flailing and kicking was building her large motor muscles.
Swings or bouncy chairs aid the strengthening of those leg muscles, and choosing ones with bright colors and music promote vision and auditory development as well. Plus, they enable your child to be a part of the family, and that is important to you AND your newborn!
