10 ways to give your baby a great start! Expert advice . GymbaROO

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Dr Jane Williams and Bindy Cummings

You can really help your baby get the best start in life and learning by providing an environment that encourages their healthy development. Dr Jane Williams, Research and Education General Manager for GymbaROO and one of Australia’s leading experts on baby development, passes on 10 ways to give your baby a great start.

1. Tummy time

Place your baby on her tummy when awake, as often as possible – on a firm surface with no pillow. Even just a few minutes at a time is helpful. Try to build up the time so that she is comfortable in the tummy time position for longer periods. Watch your baby practise lifting her head – that head is very heavy! To most efficiently learn how to control the head and neck muscles your infant needs a good amount of tummy time. There are lots of loving ways to do tummy time that do not involve the floor. Click here to watch our free tummy time video with more information, tips and ideas. Tummy time is vital for full development. If your little one does not like tummy time it may be that they are experiencing discomfort. If this continues, seek advice from your local health professional.

2. Baby massage

Start massage as early as possible – access GymbaROO’s online video on baby massage, including techniques and massages to join in with, or just massage in your own loving way. This is not only a time of bonding, but also of sensory stimulation. Read also: Baby massage – before you start.

3. Baby exercise

After massage, start gentle baby exercise, moving your baby’s arms and legs in and out. Do not force the limbs, but if done after massage, sometimes they will slowly open out if you are gentle. Click here to access our online video on baby exercises, including advice, the correct techniques and exercise to join in with.

4. Breastfeed

Breastfeed if you can, though we do understand that this is not always possible. If you are bottle feeding, be sure to change your baby from side to side as if you are breast feeding, so that your baby’s right and left side receive equal stimulation.

5. Dance

Dance with your little one and introduce new movement, they love it! Click here to dance with us online. There is a dance in each episode!

6. Don’t be in a rush

Don’t try to hasten nature. Baby milestones are a journey, not a race. This is important. Just provide the environment to stimulate the development of rolling, crawling, creeping, etc. Once your baby is mobile this makes for a happy baby as he can reach the toys he wants to play with!

7. Provide opportunities to move

Provide your moving infant with obstacle courses such as pillows and boxes to scramble under, over and through.

8. Let your baby explore

Leave at least one ‘pots and pans’ door in your kitchen within baby’s reach, so it can be safely opened. Letting your baby explore safely, helps her learn about her world.

9. Go for walks

Take your baby for walks in the pram or stroller. Alter the surface over which you push the pram – rough, smooth, noisy, quiet (grass). Alternate between pushing fast and slow. Pull the pram instead of pushing. The variety of sights, sounds and feelings your baby experiences are very stimulating.

10. Do GymbaROO-KindyROO for babies

Take your baby to GymbaROO or do our online baby classes and enjoy expert advice plus fun and loving developmental games and activities for babies.

What to avoid

‘Baby Seat’ devices like the ‘Bumbo’ and propping your baby to sit. Please avoid.

Say “No” to baby walkers.

Overstimulation. Is your baby at risk of sensory overload?

Beware over use of ‘containers’ – Why babies need the space and freedom to move.

Important reasons not to walk your baby by holding their hands.

Dr Jane Williams (PhD, BMgt, RN(Paeds)) is the Research and Education General Manager for GymbaROO and KindyROO. Dr Williams is one of Australia’s leading experts on baby and child development. More on Dr Williams here.

Bindy Cummings (B.Ed(Human Movement) Hons) has worked as a teacher, child development consultant, early childhood development lecturer, teacher trainer and INPP & iLS consultant. She is the co-creator of GymbaROO’s Active Babies Smart Kids online series, has authored many published articles on child development. She is working on the content and development GymbaROO’s portal and online training programs, and the creation of new online programs for parents and children. More on Bindy Cummings here.

GymbaROO Images by Studio Z Photography

Active Babies Smart Kids – Online Baby Classes

GymbaROO-KindyROO’s online series of baby classes is taking the parenting world by storm! It is highly recommended by doctors, paediatricians, early childhood experts and the Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses Association. This series is being called: “The essential guide for parents”. Join the thousands of parents already playing with their babies from birth, in the best way for brain and body development and laying crucial foundations for future learning. What happens in the first year, not only matters, it matters a lot!

Active Babies Smart Kids BabyROO series – Click here.

Try the first class FREE! Click here to watch our Active Babies Smart Kids Episode 1 – Tummy Time

GymbaROO-KindyROO

Thousands of parents, babies and children are presently involved in our programs and creating rising stars. GymbaROO-KindyROO kids are excelling academically, emotionally, in leadership roles and on the sporting field. Come join all the fun and learning! “GymbaROO – The best decision I ever made for my child.” Classes from 6 weeks old – 7 years GymbaROO KindyROO