12 Dec Christmas gifts that benefit fine and gross motor development
Do you want to give your child something that will do more than just provide entertainment this Christmas? How about something that will support the development of your child’s fine and gross motor skills? Following is a list of suggestions for gifts that will be of benefit to your child and their gross motor development.
Building blocks
Building blocks encourage children to perform the repetitive tasks of reaching with their arms and strengthening their leg muscles through squatting and standing back up. They will also challenge your child’s ability to place each block in order to maintain the balance of the structure.
Puzzles
Puzzles also encourage repetitive movements as well as smaller, more specialized movements. Puzzles have been proven a valuable learning activity for a number of developmental benefits, including problem solving and hand-eye coordination.
Reusable stickers and magnets
You can use these to challenge your baby’s standing abilities. By encouraging them to interact on a vertical surface, such as a fridge or window, rather than the horizontal surface of a coffee table – which allows them to lean and prop themselves. Placing the stickers or magnets off to each side will help to challenge your baby’s balance.
Toys with mirrors/ reflective surfaces
Babies love to look at their own reflection. A mirror can encourage reaching, and if they’re having tummy time, it can encourage them to spend more time there and to even creep forwards as they reach for their reflection.
Skipping ropes
Apart from actually skipping with the rope, a skipping rope can be used to step over, jump over, bend under, walk with one leg on either side of the rope, and walk along it like a tight-rope.
Twister
Not only is twister a fun game, but it is also great for motor planning, problem solving, and strengthening while attempting to hold each position.
These are just a few of the many suggestions for gifts to benefit motor (and other) development! For more ideas contact our merry team at Western Paediatric Physiotherapy. Our physiotherapists are dedicated to helping your child to reach their milestones. Through an examination of your child they will provide you with the best activities and toy options to assist with their development. Call us today on (03) 8001 2042 for your appointment, and have your gifts ready in time for Christmas!
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