This activity prepares an infant for rolling over onto their tummy.
Materials Needed:
- A rattle or a squeaky toy.
What to do:
- When baby is on their back.
- Hold the rattle or squeaky toy besides them (either left or right side), slightly out of their reach.
- Shake the rattle or press the squeaky toy.
- Baby will turn their head towards the sound and try and reach for the toy.
- As they begin to reach for the toy, they will bend their knees and bring them towards their chest and roll onto their side (depending on where the direction of sound is coming from). If they are having trouble, place your hand on baby’s back and gently push them onto their side.
- To support baby, place your hand behind baby’s back to encourage them to stay on their side.
- To roll back, baby will extend their legs and try to push themselves onto their back. You can help them, if they are having trouble doing so.
- Practice this regularly so they begin rolling onto their side with ease.
- You will need to do this for both the left and right side.
Hints and Tips:
- You can use any toy however a toy that makes a sound will provide more interest for a baby to want to reach out and grab it.
- It’s best to practice this on the floor with a mat. This enables the baby to move easier than doing it on the bed.
