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Questions & Answers - Motor Concerns
My daughter is a little over 4 months of age and can hold her
head up and stays on her elbows while on her stomach. How do I
encourage her to bear more weight on her arms? She just does not
seem interested in going any higher than that. Is it too early to
expect her to be doing this?
Since your daughter is only a little over 4 months old, it sounds
as if her motor skills are within normal limits for her age if she
is able to left her head and turn it from side to side, as well as
bear weight on her forearms while on her tummy.
Tummy time is the most important position for developing later
motor skills. Typically between 4-5 months is when most babies do
begin to push up a bit on extended arms lifting their chests off the
floor. To encourage these skills lots of tummy time is important
throughout your daughter's waking hours. You can roll up a small
towel or receiving blanket under your daughter's armpits to raise
her up a bit and encourage the weight bearing on her extended arms
that you are looking for. You can also use a small soft wedge of
foam for this same effect.
Always supervise tummy time play for young infants. Get down on
your baby's level on the floor and face her so that she has the
extra motivation to raise her head and look around and push upwards.
You can also use a mirror & raise it up in front of her to encourage
her to lift her head and chest. When using toys as a motivator,
don't always put them directly in front of her, but to each side as
well, moving toys farther away or holding them up higher to the
left, right and center so she must look up to catch sight of them.
Placing toys to the side encourages a baby to shift her weight and
enhances her range of motion. To strengthen her neck, back and trunk
muscles you can also carry her belly down in a sort of "football
hold" by sliding your hand between her legs and under her tummy, you
can support her head and neck with your other hand if needed and
carry her close to your body for support.
Lying on your back with your baby on your stomach is another nice
way to do tummy time without really thinking about it, she will want
to look up to see your face as you talk/sing to her. You can also
lie on your back with your knees bent, feet on floor and place your
baby on your knees/lower legs facing you...hold her hands and
encourage her to look up at you in this position. Daily tummy time
is the best way to continue to strengthen all the muscles she will
need for later more complex motor skills. If your daughter does not
begin to bear weight on her hands and push up by 6 months you may
want to seek a physical therapy evaluation through your local
early intervention provider.
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Questions & Answers - Motor Concerns
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