WHEN BABY CRAWLS
There is no way to push or teach baby
to crawl. We can only but give them a bit of nudge or encourage
them. For some time you've been
putting the baby in his playpen both inside and outdoors for playtime.
Besides getting him used to amusing himself, this has given him full opportunity
to develop his muscles, which he couldn't have done if he had been kept in a bed
or buggy all the time.
Around the seventh or eighth month, he'll be able to pull himself over the
floor, and soon make good speed. Babies creep in various ways: some
sitting up, some on all fours, and some on their knees. The method doesn't
matter - any one server the purpose and gets him where he wants to go.
There's also a fair number of perfectly normal babies that never creep! They
just get up and walk when they are ready to walk.
Whenever he can be watched, let
baby crawl about the house while you keep an eye on him. This gives him
more freedom and stimulates his mental development. Remember, though, that
once he has a heady taste of this new freedom
he's going to be reluctant to accept the confines of his playpen.
The baby of an allergic family probably shouldn't be permitted to crawl about on
a carpeted floor. Carpeting is a good dust catcher and Baby's constant exposure
to this dust could cause sensitization to develop.
CLOTHES FOR CRAWLING
The shirt and diaper remain his basic dress, but when Baby
creeps, he'll need something over his knees, if he hasn't had it before. The
preferred garments for this period are overalls or coveralls. These are room
enough to make diaper-changing fast and easy, and are avail able ready-made in
many styles for boys and girls. You'll nee several pairs, for the creeping stage
is perhaps the dirtiest an messiest of all.
TOYS TO AID CRAWLING
Soft, washable toys which Baby can grasp are still best for him
at this age. Balls of various kinds soft rubber which can be grasped readily;
woolly balls; bright- colored balls—will help in the first stages of creeping by
giving the baby an incentive to go after them. Knitted or rubber dolls and
animals are easily kept clean, and he can't hurt himself on them.
Toys on low shelves will encourage creeping and stimulate the curiosity. It is a
good method.
GIVE YOUR BABY A CHANCE TO EXPLORE
Any time after about the ninth month, Baby
may start pulling himself to his feet, holding to furniture, or to the sides of
his playpen. Don't hurry or urge him, though. When his muscles are strong enough
for this type of exercise, he will begin doing it.
Now you'll be confronted with your first problem of management. As soon as the
baby reaches the stage where he can creep and move at will, then pull himself
up, objects on tables are within his reach; and you can depend on it, he'll
reach for them. Baby's curiosity, however, is proof of his alertness and growing
independence.
Some of your housework can be combined with baby-watching. You can dust the
floor or furniture, or make beds while Baby roams around the room. He'll
probably investigate the contents of the wastebasket, tug at bed-clothes, or
play with the shoes in the closet, but he won't be doing a bit of harm.
Whenever the weather permits, take your small chores outside, so you can let him
wander about the yard while you work. |