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Early Activity System User Manual
Activity Suggestion 2
Encourage baby to “push-up” on
straightened (extended) arms with
open hands. This will strengthen
her shoulder and upper trunk, and
encourages weight bearing through her
arms – a building block for four-point
kneeling. It is also a very early building
block for finer motor skills which
depend on stability at the shoulder for
the control needed.
Activity Suggestion 3
While baby has his head lifted up,
encourage him to reach and grasp with
one hand, then the other. This helps
to develop trunk and lower spine
extension – the start of the lumbar
curve. The weight shift involved when
using one hand at a time uses more
complex muscle control – this helps
later for sitting up and using the arms
against gravity.
Activity Suggestion 4
Place your child in a curled up position
on her tummy, ensuring her airway is
clear. Make sure her hips, knees and
ankles are bent (flexed), and place a
roll firmly behind her feet. Show her
an exciting toy, and she should start
kicking, pushing herself forward. Tickle
baby’s feet, and place them against the
roll to encourage movement. This is a
building block for commando (belly)
crawling and four point crawling.
