Infants need time every day to freely move their arms and legs. Child care providers can encourage infants' physical development by building in opportunities for active play. Here are some ideas:
- Place very young infants on a clean blanket or quilt on the floor several times each day.
- Be sure infants have time on both their stomach and back to give them opportunities to practice rolling over, lifting their head, and kicking their legs
- Set interesting toys just out of reach so infants must stretch to reach them.
- Provide sturdy furniture so infants can practice pulling up to standing and "cruising" (walking around while holding on).
- Sing simple songs and rhymes that encourage movement, such as "Peek-a-Boo," "If You're Happy and You Know It," and "Pat-a-Cake." Help infants through the motions if needed.
For more information on encouraging infants' physical development, check out the eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care article on What Child Care Providers Can Expect in Infants' Physical Development.
