Not too long ago, as you walked past the colorful displays in children’s stores, you could only dream of becoming a mother. And now, nestled against your chest, is a tiny, warm, fragrant little miracle. You may not yet know what your precious child will grow up to be, but you understand that she will need your help every step of the way. And for that, you’re ready to do anything. But it really only takes a little: watch over her, feed her, teach her, and, of course, smile.
In the first year of life, your baby learns to coordinate her movements, explores her body, gets to know the people and objects around her, says her first words, and takes those tentative first steps. From the very first months, your child begins to develop habits, preferences, and personality traits. So well-organized care, a nurturing environment, proper nutrition, stimulating toys, and physical activity are essential for your baby’s health and healthy development.
You might often hear young, exhausted mothers say, ‘It’s so nice when the baby sits quietly and I can get all the household chores done.’ But is that really a good thing? People move throughout life, starting before birth. Even while sleeping, babies move and twitch, and that’s perfectly normal. For children, movement is a major source of joy, and a cheerful mood supports good health. It’s no coincidence that after active play, children have better appetites and fall asleep more easily. Movement is the cornerstone of an active life, which is why it’s so important to support your little one in developing her motor skills.
Don’t be disheartened if your daughter or son isn’t doing what the neighbor’s child can do—children develop at their own pace. A sign of normal development is the steady growth of a baby’s abilities and skills. However, if you notice no change in your baby’s motor skills for a month during the first six months, consult a doctor.
Since newborns can’t move actively yet, passive movement like massage is ideal for them. Massage not only promotes physical health and can strengthen the immune system and help ease various ailments, it also supports cognitive development. Even gentle stroking sends a wealth of impulses from the skin’s receptors to the nerve centers and the cerebral cortex, positively influencing those functions. Massaging your baby’s palms also stimulates the speech centers. Studies show that children who receive massages from their parents tend to be more responsive and affectionate than children who have less physical contact with their caregivers.
Mothers, don’t forget about yourselves! Physical activity, even simple exercises, will help keep you in shape and maintain emotional balance. Remember, a mother’s mood always affects her baby, so let your daily activities be a joy for both of you!
