GoGo Babies » Articles http://www.gogobabies.net Developmental Movement Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:48:43 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 SITTING: The First Vertical Alignment http://www.gogobabies.net/2011/01/07/sitting-the-first-vertical-alignment/ http://www.gogobabies.net/2011/01/07/sitting-the-first-vertical-alignment/#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:27:28 +0000 admin http://www.gogobabies.net/?p=368

Babies and Sitting: Putting the Puzzle Together
toward the first vertical alignment
Ellynne Skove MA, LCAT, DMT-BC, NCC, RPP

As parents we become enthralled with the many accomplishments of our new babies; the first smile, the pulling of the feet to the face to grab toes, the first rolling, sleeping through the night, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. It is all so wonderful to behold as our little ones become more fully inhabited and capable in their tiny bodies. Each physical step is accompanied by greater social interactions, and we feel delight in how our babies become more and more “human.” One of the aspects of being human is being a two-footed vertical mammal. No other mammal on the planet lives this way fully. In being a vertical mammal, humans have a unique physical alignment between earth and sky, or Heaven and Earth, if you will. Our feet are solidly planted on the ground while our spines lengthen and reach up through our heads toward the sky. While standing up is the most obvious way this occurs, it has become apparent to me, as a baby movement specialist, that sitting is the beginning of this physical alignment. This is why so many parents and caregivers are absolutely joyous and thrilled when their little ones sit. When sitting one has the ability to really look around and interact with the world and others in a very full way. It is very exciting indeed. Babies who sit up on their own have a very alert and beautifully aligned presence. They look very much like little Buddhas. Eyes are open and taking in the world, bodies are calm, and if you look carefully you will see that a baby who does this independently is very balanced and confident. There is no schlumping or slouching in the spine, no teetering or tottering in any direction. It is as if they have “arrived.” The sit bones, or bottom of the pelvis, are rooted to the ground, while the spine, having developed its curves via all of the other developmental movement processes that precede sitting, is aligned with a center axis that reaches upward through the body toward the “heavens.” Finding this pose for a baby takes a lot of practice and work through all of the preceding patterns. Trying to get a baby into a sitting position before it is ready is something that is not necessary and in fact could cause some challenges in the future. Many manufacturers of baby equipment have created items to help assist babies in sitting up but these are NOT NECESSARY and can actually influence harmful physical patterns.
If you consider the developmental movement patterns that occur in babies from in utero through birth and infancy to lead a baby to standing vertically as PUZZLE PIECES, then SITTING is one of these pieces. As a jigsaw puzzle is put together it initially does not have an image that represents what the picture will eventually look like. As we continue working to find the puzzle pieces parts of the picture become clearer and it becomes more exciting to reach completion, but it takes perseverance! When babies are placed into a sitting position instead of allowed to find their own way there it is as if someone else has come along and completed a major piece of the movement puzzle for them. The “arrival” into a vertical position is not something they have accomplished for themselves in this case but something that has been denied. Physically, a baby who is put in this position is not truly ready to be there and stress is placed upon the internal alignment of the spine, muscles, and other bones that contribute to sitting independently. The baby might lean forward, backward or waver side-to-side weebling and wobbling in uncertainty. Sometimes this is subtle but nonetheless, it is stress on the system. When strapped into a piece of equipment into a seated position before the baby is truly ready to be there patterns begin to develop in the body that could lead toward future alignment problems. The bottom line (pun intended) about babies and sitting independently is LET THEM FIND THEIR OWN WAY THERE. In doing so this develops physical balance, coordination, sequencing skills, spatial awareness, and a profound sense of self-accomplishment, which leads to positive body image, self-image, and self-esteem. Wow! If you think of ascending a mountain, the only way to get there is to climb it! Babies need and want to do this too. So let your baby fined its seated “Mountain pose.”
WHAT ARE THE OTHER PUZZLE PIECES THAT LEAD TO SITTING
The following is a list of developmental movement patterns that occur in babies. Not all babies move through each pattern nor do they all move through them in the same sequence. Encouraging time on the tummy is extremely important but takes practice, as the head is so big and heavy in proportion to the rest of the body. All of these patterns help the baby develop the curves of the spine, which are not present at birth. Spinal curves include cervical, thoracic, and lumbar curves that are the architectural foundation necessary for human being to sit and stand vertically. Without the curves in our spines we would fall down! These are the healthy curves of the spine as opposed to scoliosis, which is what developmental movement work helps to avoid!
• Lifting of the head in tummy time
• Lifting of the bottom, or tail, in tummy time
• Rolling front to back and back to front
• Side lying balancing
• Hands grasping and reaching for the feet lying on the back
• Pushing the hands and arms into the floor to move in a circle on the belly
• Pushing the hands and arms into the floor causing the body to move backwards on the belly
• Pushing from the feet to propel oneself into creeping on the belly ( “army crawl”)
• Pushing up to hands and knees to balance on all fours
• Pushing up to hands and knees balance and rocking back and forth to further develop balance
• Pushing up to hands and feet balance (downward facing dog or plank poses)
• Pushing up to all fours and rocking the bottom back to sitting!!!!!!
WHAT ABOUT OTHER KINDS OF SITTING FOR BABIES?
Babies are placed into a variety of sitting positions before they can sit independently. Car seats, bouncy seats, baby swings, strollers, snuggled into pillows on a bed or couch with someone nearby, and sitting snuggled into the lap of a caregiver are all safe as the baby can lean back on an incline taking pressure off the spine. High chairs or other equipment that forces a baby to sit straight up vertically could be harmful to use before a baby is sitting independently.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY BABY?
Get down on the floor on your own tummy or back and play play play!!!! Have fun, and cheer on your child’s efforts and successes! Ideally a baby needs 45 minutes of Tummy Time play in a day. This would not happen all at once! That would be too much to expect. But spending time during diapering is a great way to add some play time. Appreciate your baby’s innate instincts and curiosity about the world that lead him/her to the puzzle pieces of movement that lead toward sitting or standing. Acknowledge the hard work it takes and let your baby rest. It takes tremendous effort to do what they do! Slow yourself down and become very observant. Try doing what your baby does. A lot of the developmental movements are similar to yoga poses and feel wonderful. Support and encourage your baby but do not push them. Appreciate your baby’s creative ability to solve the puzzle of how to develop its body.

]]> http://www.gogobabies.net/2011/01/07/sitting-the-first-vertical-alignment/feed/ 0 TUMMY TIME http://www.gogobabies.net/2009/08/26/tummy-time/ http://www.gogobabies.net/2009/08/26/tummy-time/#comments Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:40:03 +0000 admin http://www.gogobabies.net/?p=81 More and more babies are being put to sleep on their backs as a result of pediatricians’ recommendations to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome while sleeping. While this practice is suggested for safety and health, many babies are missing out on crucial awake hours of TUMMY TIME due to the habit of placing babies on their backs.

What is TUMMY TIME?

Simply put, TUMMY TIME is any opportunity a baby has to spend on her stomach.

Why is TUMMY TIME important?
TUMMY TIME prevents the flattening of the head that can occur when a baby spends too much time lying on her back. TUMMY TIME gives the baby the chance to progress in the natural blueprint of movement sequences that enable her to stand up in the vertical position. In particular, TUMMY TIME helps develop the spinal curves and muscle strength needed to move onto all fours and begin balancing. This leads to creeping, crawling, scooting, standing, and walking upright. This sequence is called Developmental Movement. Without going through these movements the brain does not achieve its full opportunity to develop the corpus colosum, which enables the right and left hemispheres to transmit information between one another. Many learning challenges can be traced to missed developmental movement patterns in the first year of life…. particularly crawling.

What are the Developmental Movement Patterns?

Developmental Movement Patterns are based on three forces: PUSH, PULL, and REACH. There are four basic components: NAVAL RADIATION, HOMOLOGOUS MOVEMENTS, HOMOLATERAL MOVEMENTS, AND CONTRALATERAL MOVEMENTS. Naval Radiation occurs when a baby is first born. If you watch your baby closely you will see that her breath and movements initiate from the radius of her body, which is at her navel. This has been the center for her nourishment and connection to mother for the first nine months so it is no wonder that this is where the movement begins. Homologous movement is from head to tail. This is seen with the lifting of the head and chest, the pushing of the hands and arms into the floor to lift and reach the head and eyes, and then the lifting of the tailbone upward into what looks a lot like the yoga pose called “awkward pose” or “knees, chest, and chin.” The feet may try to push into the floor. Sometimes there is a push pull kind of rocking from head to toes that occurs. As homologous movements develop, naval radiation movements lessen. The baby becomes even more alert and curious as the senses engage more fully and the body develops muscle and bone strength. Homolateral movements are same side. Often we see the baby put her foot into her mouth and hold it there with the same hand. This is both homologous and homolateral. Creeping or, army crawl, on the belly like a salamander is a homolateral movement. Jumping Jacks are an upright homolateral movement. If we try to walk homolaterally we end up walking like Frankenstein. It is awkward and the flow of breath and movement through the center of the body is constricted. Contralateral movements cross the midline of the body and consequently trigger the corpus colosum of the brain to transmit from left brain to right brain and vice versa. This is where singing or babbling becomes speech. There are many ways for babies to go through these patterns. It is important for all babies to crawl. Even if a baby walks first it is important to try to get the baby to crawl too. One can go back through the Developmental Movement Patterns again and again in life to relearn them and retrain the brain. It is even possible to do this with people who have experienced strokes.

How to do TUMMY TIME
During TUMMY TIME talk, sing, and play with your baby. Keep her interested and engaged! Use toys, scarves, and instruments to help. This is a great bonding time for baby and caregivers! Titrate the experience. That means do it a little at a time and keep building it up over time. Diaper changing time is a great opportunity to add in some TUMMY TIME and play. This happens multiple times in a day so it could become a routine part of diapering. Massaging your baby on her tummy amidst diaper changing is a wonderful way to create a relaxing and soothing Tummy Time experience. Singing favorite lullabies or other gentle songs while doing this is beneficial for everyone.

Frequency and duration of TUMMY TIME
Try to work up to about 30 -40 minutes a day spread out through different segments of the day.

When to Begin TUMMY TIME


You can begin placing your baby on her belly as soon as the umbilical cord has fallen off. Newborns will begin by rooting around with their heads and work to begin lifting their heads. Babies of three months and up who have learned to lift their heads and hold them up will be pushing on the floor with their hands and arms to look around more and track sounds or objects. They will look more like they are in baby cobra or sphinx yoga poses.

What if my baby fusses during TUMMY TIME ?
Many parents tell me their baby does not like TUMMY TIME. While it is true that many babies will struggle and fuss during TUMMY TIME early on, this is not a reason to stop doing it! The real issue to look at is WHY it might be a struggle for a baby. First, consider that the baby spent its first nine months of life in the liquid floating space of the womb. The world of gravity is a real surprise after a life of floating! Secondly, during infancy the head is the biggest and heaviest part of the body. It is bigger than the baby’s bottom! Imagine if your head was bigger than your bottom! It would be a struggle to lift your head up too wouldn’t it? Thirdly, the baby’s spine has minimal curves when born. The developmental movement patterns help to develop those curves, which create the foundation and architecture for the body to stand up. All of this requires a lot of effort and work for the baby. It is a bit like adults hitting the gym after a long period of not working out. Afterwards our bodies ache, and during, it is often a push to stick with it. It is the same for babies. Whatever you do, don’t make up your baby’s mind about whether she likes it or not. Babies are intelligent and pick up everything you do and say. You don’t want to inadvertently set a negative precedent. Babies change and grow constantly. So give your baby a chance to keep trying. Don’t push it to frenzy. See what your baby’s edge is and then stop. If your baby cries at a level of true discomfort then stop and soothe her. Try again later. There is plenty of time.

What if my baby scoots on her bottom or does not crawl before standing?

If your baby scoots on her bottom instead of crawling offer the chance to crawl through a play tunnel or under some kitchen chairs. Crawl around with your baby and model it for her. Babies love to imitate! If your baby stands and walks before crawling try to continue offering opportunities to crawl.

Bonding with your baby through Tummy Time and Renewing Yourself


Resting on your own tummy next to or opposite your baby is a wonderful way to model relaxation, full breathing, and playfulness. It gives you the chance to view the world from your baby’s perspective. Let your mind calm and tune into the wonders of the senses that motivate your baby’s curiosity: sight, smell, touch, sound, and movement. Connect in to how your baby experiences life and enjoy the break from your hardworking “thinking” mind! This offers you a chance for renewal and restoration while bonding with your baby.

]]> http://www.gogobabies.net/2009/08/26/tummy-time/feed/ 0 What can an infant learn from movement? http://www.gogobabies.net/2008/04/03/what-can-an-infant-learn-from-movement/ http://www.gogobabies.net/2008/04/03/what-can-an-infant-learn-from-movement/#comments Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:12:56 +0000 admin http://www.gogobabies.net/2008/04/03/what-can-an-infant-learn-from-movement/ It’s the old adage—you’ve got to crawl before you walk. An update to this old saw: you’ve got to push, pull, reach, grab, roll over, sit, and want to move before you walk.According to Ellynne Skove, a licensed movement therapist, yoga instructor, and teacher of GoGo Babies class at Families First, it’s important for children to progress through all the stages of movement patterns and master them as they go. Dubbed developmental movement, this learning process is as much psychological and emotional as it is physical.

“Developmental movement works on the body and the brain. The movement of infants is driven by their reflexes and their drive to thrive. As a baby grows, these elements, along with curiosity and will, set the movement process in motion. With will come communication and choice. Essentially, children who are supported during their progression through the stages of movement build a strong foundation for making choices.”

The goal in movement education with infants is to help establish the underpinnings of strength, agility, and adaptability. But we also want to help adults avoid restrictive patterns of movement that could inhibit the development of the full potential of the child. Skove notes, “GoGo Babies uses songs, finger plays, and movements done by adults holding the baby. This gives babies a chance to work through the stages on their developmental path. One important benefit of this approach is that we help with developing the curves of the spine—the architecture of the aligned spine that enables us to stand and relate in the human world.”

“This class supports the natural patterns of development by exercising its basic elements: flexing, extending, pushing, pulling reaching, etc.,” explains Skove. “Using breath work, tummy time, rolling, reaching for toys and people, pushing up, sitting up and down on his or her own, and belly crawling, GoGo Babies provides nourishing play. It supports bonding, early cognition, emotional regulation, and coordination.

Experts in developmental movement observe a parallel development in the perceptual awareness and the brain of the infant that goes hand in hand with movement patterns. They propose that movement patterns represent perceptual and intellectual patterns and that the patterns established in the first year underlie all other future movement. These early developments are the foundation for posture, walking, sitting, and other motor skills.

While there is considerable evidence to support the benefits of the developmental movement theory, the value of GoGo Babies goes beyond helping your child reach their potential through movement. This is a wonderful, productive way for moms and dads to spend quality time with their babies, to help them have every advantage through cognitive movement theory and the very practical reality of a loving caregiver playing with their baby.

When babies move, they learn. Through developmental movement, that learning is both valuable and fun. And that is exactly what Families First’s GoGo Babies is all about.

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