2020-04-01_Mother_&_Baby

motherandbaby.co.uk | April 2020 | 49

From

threemonths

Hey diddle,

diddle

Giveyourbabya tummy-timepuppet

showby decoratingyourhandswith

fingerpuppets.They candance asyou

sing.They can‘talk’toyourbaby.

And,if you’refeelingextra-

creative,thefingerpuppets

canactouta fairy

tale.

From

three months

Story time!
‘By three months your baby has much
more head control,’ says Clare. ‘If he’s been
doing tummy time since he was a newborn
he’ll be able to lift his head steadily. That
means you can lie next to him, put a picture
book in front of you both, and read the
story. You’re focusing his attention on
the pictures, while he enjoys the
sound of your voice. Tummy
time will whizz by in
a flash!’

From

four months

Bubble up!

‘Now’s the time when babies who have

been doing tummy time from the

newborn stage might start propping

themselves on their forearms and

reaching for toys,’ says Clare. ‘So, crack

out the bubbles. Lie next to your

baby and gently blow bubbles up

past him, towards the ceiling.

He’ll be mesmerised!’

From

fourmonths

Th e magic

carpet ride

‘Spreadouta blanketona smoothsurface

andputyourbaby,onhistummy, inits

centre,’ says Clare. ‘Grab the front corners

of the blanket and slowly move backwards,

so it “rides” over the ground. Take it slow

at first and chat to your baby, so he

doesn’t get worried. As he gets

older and steadier, you can

speed up!’

From

four months

The flying snowman

‘Lie on your back with your legs bent and your

feet on the ground,’ says Clare. ‘Place your baby

against your shins, tummy down, and hold him

securely under his arms. Now gently raise your legs

until they’re horizontal and your baby is in the air, facing

you.’ Move your legs in any way that feels comfortable

for you and secure for your baby, as you warble the

lyrics to We’re Walking in the Air. ‘And when your

baby’s had enough – or you’re tired – straighten

your legs and help him to swoosh onto your

tummy for a cuddle,’ says Clare.

Note: Don’t do this if you have low core

strength or abdominal separation

following birth.

From

three months

The World

Gurning

Championships

Lie down, facing your baby, and put a

baby-safe mirror between you so you can

both see the reflection. Try to make

your baby laugh by pulling your

funniest faces. Eyebrows up,

tongue out, eyes wide!