Gaby
Not too long ago, as you strolled past the colorful displays of children’s stores, you could only dream of becoming a mother. And now, nestled against your chest is a tiny, warm, fragrant “gift from fate.” You may not yet know what your precious little one 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! However, it really only takes a little from you: to watch over, feed, teach, and of course… smile.
In the first year of life, your baby learns to coordinate her movements, explores her own body, gets acquainted with the people and objects around her, utters her first words, and takes those tentative first steps. From the very first months, your child begins to develop habits, preferences, and personality traits. Therefore, well-organized care, a nurturing environment, proper nutrition, stimulating toys, and physical activity are essential for your baby’s health and proper upbringing.
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? A person is in motion throughout their life, starting from the prenatal period. Even while sleeping, babies move and twitch, and that’s perfectly normal! For children, movement is a significant source of joy, and a cheerful mood is the foundation of good health. It’s no coincidence that after active play, children have a better appetite 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 continuous growth of a baby’s abilities and skills. However, if you notice no changes in your baby’s motor functions during the first six months over the course of a month, consult a doctor.
Since newborns cannot move actively yet, passive movements like massage are ideal for them. Massage not only promotes physical health and strengthens the immune system, helping to alleviate various ailments, but it also enhances cognitive abilities. Even gentle stroking sends a wealth of impulses from the skin’s receptors to the nerve centers and the cerebral cortex, positively influencing their function. Additionally, massaging your baby’s palms stimulates the speech centers. Furthermore, psychologists have shown that children who receive massages from their parents tend to be more responsive and affectionate than those who have less physical contact with their caregivers.
Dear mothers, don’t forget about yourselves! Physical activity, even in the form of simple exercises, will help keep you in good 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!
