Floor Time

The gross motor developmental domain includes the large muscles of the body. The infant begins development by kicking his/her feet and thrashing hands. With much effort and practice, the infant’s trunk muscles begin to develop, and soon we watch as the infant “rolls over”. We celebrate that first glorious “roll over”, as well we should. It is the beginning of greater things. Without rolling over, development will be delayed. In earlier days, babies were put to sleep on their tummies. This allowed time for the baby to practice holding his/her body in the air like a little turtle, with neck stretched out as if to say “Wow, look at me”. In doing this, the baby was strengthening the trunk muscles, getting them ready to “roll over”. Due to sleep apnea possibilities, “sudden death syndrome”, and other concerns, doctors now recommend that babies sleep on their backs. While this is the safe position for the sleeping baby, it simply means the infant must be given opportunities to be on their stomach, with adult supervision. This is necessary for your baby to continue motor skill development.

To encourage gross motor development, your baby needs “floor time”. While you are watching, place your baby on a blanket, on his/her stomach, next to you on the floor. Put colorful and interesting toys in front of the baby. You may also sit in front of him/her and sing or talk. You will be amazed by the little turtle that emerges before your eyes. By doing this your baby will be strengthening the core muscles needed to roll over, sit up, crawl and walk.

We know that babies roll from stomach to back, before rolling from back to stomach. Thus, “floor time” gives the infant an opportunity to practice. Without “floor time”, gross motor development will be delayed. The developmental order for gross skills are as follows. The tummy roll (tummy to back) must be mastered before the back roll (back to tummy). The back roll must be mastered before sitting independently. Then comes scooting or creeping. Creeping or scooting is mastered before crawling. Some babies do not crawl before they walk, but crawling is an important step in motor development. If your baby has “floor time”, crawling should occur before pulling up and walking. Encourage crawling by putting toys just out of reach. Needless to say, walking develops before running, and running before jumping. And, all of the above, before your baby can develop into a sports or ballerina star.