GM.A.14 ON BACK, BRINGS HANDS TO KNEES

This exercise helps to strengthen the baby’s tummy muscles and helps her pelvis to ‘sit’ at the right angle, thus preparing her for future skills. It is also another step in body exploration and increasing body awareness.

How to Assess

Method: Observe your child as she lies on her back. Score plus if she brings her hands to her knees, lifting her buttocks slightly off the surface as she raises her knees.

How to Teach

Place the child on her back, and, holding her at her thighs, roll her knees up towards her chest. Again, with your child on her back, roll her so that her feet are within her reach, over her chest. Do this too, with one foot at a time, taking it to the opposite hand. Place your baby on her side, bend her knees and help her to find her knees with her hands.

Positioning, Carrying and Playing

Place your baby on her back as described in GM.A.4, at times when you can supervise her. If possible, remove her nappy so that it is easier for her to move her legs. Watch to see that she is being active. If not, change her to another position. Put her down to play on her side too. In this position she can easily see her hands and knees. Play games of peek-a-boo, rolling her knees up so that she can’t see your face. This is fun at nappy changing time!

Help her to play with her opposite foot when she sits on your lap. Tickle her tummy at nappy change and bath times, to stimulate her to tighten her tummy muscles. When your child is older, she will be able to take her feet right up to her mouth.