Gentle, soothing stretches for your newborn

Even months after birth, your baby may want to curl up into the familiar fetal position. Gently stretching their limbs can help their muscles relax and get them in the right position for new skills such as rolling and crawling.

  • Place your baby on a blanket on the floor in a warm, quiet room when they aren’t too hungry, full, or tired.
  • Bend one of their knees, lifting it toward their chest, then slowly straighten the leg by lifting their foot.
  • Lower their leg to the floor, straightening it as you softly stroke the thigh to relax the muscle.
  • Stretch the other leg in the same way.
  • Gently straighten your baby’s left arm by their side. Keep it straight as you raise it over their head, and then move it out to the side.
  • Repeat the process with the other arm.
  • Delicately straighten your child’s fingers and toes.

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Posted in: 0 - 3 Months, Touch, Physical Development, Soothing, Proprioceptive, Play & Activities, Motor Skills

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