Exercise for bubs

[mum2maddy]

I am really keen to start helping my bubs overall development along. I'm not really sure what I should be doing though as she is only a month old and doesn't have much control of her body yet. I know there must be some specific exercises that are recommended for this age group. Does anyone have any ideas/websites/books that can help? :)

[vickster]

Hi Angelina,

There are lots of things you can do with your little one. Baby massage, play all sorts of music, even reading books. I sing nursery rhymes to Charlotte every day -"Merrily, Merrily - a book of songs & rhymes" by the Aust. Breastfeeding Assoc. is very good & so is "Catch A Song" by Deanna Hoermann & Doreen Bridges (this one gives you activities you can do along to the song too).

Tummy time is highly reccommended. We started as soon as we came home from hospital, only for about 30secs at first, then gradually increased in time. Charlotte gained her head control very early as result.

Your child health nurse should be able to reccommend some activities. I just took my 5.5mo to a 'Parents as Teachers' session at a local school. It only cost $2 (a donation) & went for an hour. Charlotte absolutely loved it!! We danced & sang, amongst other things & there were babies as young as 6w! I checked on the website, but the closest one to you is at Tweed Heads Sth Public School. It does say to email them though if there isn't a program close by. The web address is:

www.parentsasteachers.org/site/pp.asp?c=ekIRLcMZJxE&b=272091

I know, long huh?!) But we had the best time ever! :D You could also try the Playgroup Association too. There's heaps of playgroups at local community centres & your first 2 visits are free!

Your baby isn't too little to lay on a mat with a play gym either. There's lots you can get at Target etc & they'll grow with your baby. Cause & Effect ones are gr-8.

I hope I haven't bombarded you!! I've gotten carried away :rolleyes: It's just so exciting, all the things you can do with your little ones!! An excuse to buy toys & play.....yay!! :D

Have fun!

Vicki & Charlotte

[jessica]

Hi Vicki,

Parents as Teachers programs sound great! Looked at the website but they only seem to be in NSW!! Does anyone know of similar programs in QLD? Bubs and I love music and dancing!! :D