5 Practical ideas for physically active play - BHF National Centre ...

Part 5Activities forbabies (approx.6–12 months)During this time babies will start to movearound. This may begin as creeping (movingaround on tummy) or scooting (crawling onone leg and dragging the other) or it couldbe with a combination of rolling, rocking andsquirming on their stomach, bottom or back.Some babies crawl backwards first, some arebottom shufflers. Any ways of moving are fineand should be encouraged by providing lots ofopen, safe and soft spaces, with enticing toys inappropriate places to encourage movement.Babies may start to support their weight duringstanding and their grasping ability will be strongand refined enough to pick up some objects.Tips for encouragingmovement– Create spaces for movement withlots of stimulating materials andregular interaction.– As babies become mobile, make surethe environment is safe and very small(choking hazard) objects are out of reach.– Use the proper words for objects andactions and say them out loud whiledoing them, eg, “Roll the blue ball back tome,” “Shall we clap our hands together?”and “Let’s look under the table for teddy.”For words to use for different movements,see Appendix ii, page 99.– Encourage parents to dress their childrenin clothes that allow them to movefreely, eg, thick trousers don’t allow forfree movement of the hips and dressesinterfere with learning to move onall fours.24 Early movers – Helping under-5s live active & healthy livesSection 5 – Practical ideas for physically active play 25