Developmental: Positions for Play

On my back I can:

• Watch your face or a toy.

• Look at my hands.

• Reach for your face or a toy.

• Lift my arms and legs. Strengthen my stomach.

Tips to help me move my arms and reach:

• Place rolls along my body under my shoulders and alongside my thighs so my knees point to the ceiling. Make the rolls large enough so my elbows are in front of my body, and I can see my hands.

• Hold a toy within easy reach for me to touch and explore.

• Show me the toy. Show me my hands, then place my hand on the toy.

• Give me a chance to explore on my own.

• Sing nursery rhymes or play games such as clapping hands.

On my tummy I can:

• Lift my head and look at people and toys.

• Strengthen my neck, arms, chest and back.

• Prevent a flat spot from forming on the back of my head.

Tips for tummy time:

• Only put me on my belly when I am awake, and you are close by watching me.

• I will want to look at you while you talk to me.

• Put a blanket roll under my chest at nipple level with my elbows in front of it to make it easier for me.

• Place toys or a child's safety mirror in front of me to encourage me to lift my head. Lay on your belly in front of me to help motivate me.

• At first, I may do better if you sit down and hold me at your shoulder. Remember to support my head.

• See if I like to lie across your knees or chest.

• Gently rub my back while you sing or talk to me in a soothing voice.

• If I don't like tummy time at first, keep trying and slowly increase the time I am on my tummy.

• Remember lifting my head is hard work.

On my side I can:

• Move my arms and legs more easily.

• Practice bringing my hands together and bringing them to my mouth.

• Reach for toys.

• Prevent a flat spot from forming on the back of my head.

Tips for when I am on my side:

• Be sure to switch sides so I get to play in each direction.

• Place a large roll the length of my body behind my head, neck and back.

• Encourage me to play with my hands and reach for toys.

• Remove the roll from behind my back and have me follow toys with my eyes to practice rolling.

When I sit up I can:

• Improve head control and neck strength.

• Work on holding my head steady.

• Strengthen my trunk.

Tips for when I sit up:

• When you are feeding me and sit me up to burp, give me a chance to practice sitting up.

• Sit me up on your lap with support at my upper back.

• As I get stronger you can move the support down my trunk to my waist, hips and lower back. If my head starts bobbing, I may need you to move your hands higher.

• Give me something interesting to look at.

• Help me practice getting in and out of a sitting position.

When I stand I can:

Develop leg strength and learn to move on my own.

Tips for when I stand:

• When I first start standing, I will need a lot of help so please support my upper trunk under my armpits and under my bottom.

• As I get stronger you can move your support lower down my trunk.

• As I get more independent, give me something to hold onto such as a low table, play table or couch. Stay close to me to keep me safe.

• Once I can pull up to stand, never leave me in a play yard or crib with the rails down. Make sure the rails are up and locked.

• Make sure the space where I am standing is clear, so I don't fall or trip.