La motor stimulation in babies is essential to boost their physical, cognitive and emotional development. In the age range of 12 to 18 months, babies experience great advances in their mobility and motor skills. This period is perfect to encourage their growth through exercises and games designed especially for them. In this article, we will detail how you can help your baby reach their full potential, providing practical resources and specific materials.
The importance of respecting the pace of learning
Every baby has its own rate of developmentIt is crucial to respect their time without imposing pressure, as this can lead to frustration and limit their interest in exploring and learning. However, proper early stimulation It is a powerful tool to strengthen your skills. The key is to understand that stimulation must be tailored to your needs and abilities, making it fun and relaxing.
Essential materials for motor stimulation
To carry out the stimulation exercises, it is vital to have the following: suitable materialsHere is a complete list that will make designing activities easier:
- Various and colorful toys
- Strollers or prams
- Balls of different sizes
- Padded rugs or blankets
- Cushions and foams of different shapes
- Boxes and jars of various sizes
- Rings, sponges and pieces of cork
- Lace and string games
- Eye-catching chromos
These elements not only guarantee the to maximise security and your enjoyment. of the baby during activities, but also encourage their creativity and curiosity.
Exercises for gross motor stimulation
La gross Motricity refers to movements that involve large muscle groups. Here are some practical exercises to stimulate this area:
- Have your baby stand upright on a table and encourage him to walk towards you using words and gestures.
- Invite your baby to push a cart while picking up toys from the floor, first with you and then independently.
- Place the baby on a mat and throw a ball in front of him so he can try to follow it while walking.
- Create a structure with cushions or foam and place a toy on top to encourage climbing.
- Place two containers in front of the baby with boxes inside. Help him move the boxes from one container to the other to encourage concentration. coordination.
Exercises for fine motor stimulation
La fine motor involves smaller, more precise movements, essential for tasks such as writing or drawing in the future. Here are some recommended exercises:
- Place open jars and lids in front of your baby, encouraging him or her to cover each jar with its corresponding lid.
- Offer your baby a container with water and small plastic objects to manipulate and explore.
- Provide large rings and a rope to thread through them, always supervising him to avoid accidents.
- Sit your baby in front of a puzzle and show him how to place the shapes in the correct place.
- Sit with the baby to turn the pages of magazines or books, encouraging eye-hand coordination.
Additional recommendations for parents
In addition to the proposed exercises, here we offer you additional tips to enhance baby's experience and learning:
- Introduce new activities gradually and follow the baby's preferences.
- Ensures a safe environment to avoid bumps or accidents during exercises.
- Encourage outdoor activities so that the baby can explore different textures and stimuli.
- Use sensory materials such as sand, water or non-toxic clay to diversify the activities.
Complementary exercises for different areas of development
Early stimulation not only covers motor skills; it also includes areas such as language, socialization and cognitive development:
- Language: Talk to your baby constantly, use nursery rhymes and name objects in your environment to expand your baby's vocabulary.
- Socialization: Organize games in small groups of children to encourage interaction.
- Cognition: Introduce activities that involve sorting colors, shapes, or sizes.
Incorporating variety will ensure comprehensive and balanced development.
Guiding your baby through this stage is a unique and enriching experience. With the exercises and activities described, you not only strengthen his physical development, but you also create deep emotional bonds and encourage his Trust in itself. Don't forget to enjoy every moment on this wonderful path of shared learning!