Baby development is a beautiful and complex thing.

But the following 6 simple points are key to guiding your baby to a better and stronger start.

1. Movement is the key to learning and tummy time is the key to movement. It really is as simple as that. If your baby is healthy, it is the first thing you need to do to help them to hold their head up, crawl and stand. Babies are born to move. But tummy time, that’s one thing they can’t do on their own. And you can start from week 1. Even day 1. And on your chest is the easiest and most gentle way to start.

2. Try your very best not to container hop . It is so easy to do, and there are times when you just have to: when your baby is inconsolable, when you are so tired your actual soul hurts and you just want 10 minutes to zone out on Instagram, or when you are trying to wrangle a toddler, dinner, a surprise guest (awesome) and your grizzly newborn all at once (we’re not octopuses people). But really really try not to make a habit of it and try and keep it to under 30 mins a day. Your baby is a missing out on vital steps in her development if she is always placed in a container. 

3. Related to the point above, plastic moulded seats' (you know, those chunky red plastic things everyone has....wink wink) and baby walkers suck. They're ultra cute babysitters and they make life a bit easier for mummies (see my post on container hopping) but along with most gadgets that are advertised as 'a must-have for your baby's development' (think Jolly Jumpers, baby activity centres etc) they are completely unnecessary (and in some cases can contribute to issues later on such as bottom shuffling or toe walking). They are fun sure. And who wants to deny their baby joy? But if you can't afford them, do not feel bad. A baby play mat with some dingle dangles and a cardboard box will do just fine. 

4. If your baby works out crawling, encourage them to keep at it for as long as possible. It is just so damn good for them. Their little brains go crazy during the crawling stage! Don't encourage standing and walking yet, this is a once in a life-time opportunity- embrace it. There’s a whole chapter in my ebook giving loads of information on this very cool developmental stage. 

5. I was going to make this 5 steps, but I couldn’t leave this one out…… please let your babies be messy. Let them feed themselves and get spaghetti through their hair.

Let them tumble and fall (within reason). Let them eat sand, play in puddles and throw them up in the air all the time. Spin them around in circles. And later on when they are big and brave, let them climb trees. Don’t be scared Mumma and Papa.

Healthy babies and children are generally very tough and resilient. They need to learn from their sensory experiences. It is how they discover their world and also how they discover themselves. Coming from a mum whose baby has tumbled down steps, off the bed and the couch on numerous occasions. They’ll be ok.

6. Finally, and most importantly, never ever be embarrassed to seek help if you are concerned about your baby's health or development. Most of the time all a mum needs is some reassurance from a qualified health professional. But you cannot beat a mother's instinct. You are all that your baby has. You are their number one protector. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the wellbeing of your baby. 

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Alana xx