Picture Week | Food to Avoid for Breastfeeding Mothers

Move the Body Parts | Activities for Babies

Welcome to parenthood! A great journey awaits.

I still remember the day, my boy was born, and how grateful I was when he arrived and I got to really have him on my chest so close to me that I can finally get to touch and see him. Surprisingly, I felt totally recharged after I gave birth to Baby L. I felt a great sense of gratitude that I have never ever experience before in my entire life. I thank the mid-wife (Joyce, guess she never knew I actually do know her name) and the doctor (Dr. Goh), on the spot, while she was busy sewing me up. To me the arrival of a baby is one of the most magical moments.

Being a first time parent, there were so much that I didn't know. I hope I have better prepared myself by reading up more about babies, parenting and what's not.

There are certain things that I learnt much later where we can actually help our baby development.

Here are some activities you can do with your little one which will help your baby create a greater sense of awareness by simply moving their body parts.

Turn your baby's head from side to side. This helps the baby to become aware of both sides of his/her head.

Let your baby grab and hold your finger. Your baby is beginning to react to other people by feeling. The grasp is a prenatal reflex and will weaken as your baby's hand-eye coordination develops.

When you are playing with or holding your baby, put his/her left and right palms together. This helps to develop a feeling and awareness of both sides of his body.

By touching your baby's body parts, you are giving your baby his/her first awareness of his/her body through the sense of touch.

Talk to your baby. Sing or hum to your baby. If you prefer not to sing or hum, play soft lullabies. This stimulates your baby's sense of hearing.

Allowing babies to experience and learn from their bodies and from their senses enriches their daily experiences and provides important information for them to interact more fully in their environment.

Enjoy your new journey!