6-Every day is training. Air kicks and turning over while prone
― Decoding leg kicks, back-crawling, extended prone position + thumb sucking ―
A baby's movements may look like they are just following their interests, but they actually follow a certain "order."
This time, we will explain in an easy-to-understand way "what is happening," "how to watch over them," and "signs to be careful of" regarding the movements that occur after 5-The "baby story" until they discover their own hands .
It is also full of play tips you can try at home starting today.
1. Leg kicks ―― Flailing in the air, body programming
What is happening with leg kicks?
The movement of kicking both legs up "randomly" in the air while lying on their back is a test run of the neural circuits connecting the hip, knee, and ankle joints. If they can extend and retract rhythmically without left-right asymmetry, their muscle tone balance is generally good.
How to watch over and play
Lay them on a moderately firm mat and gently place your hand or a cushion against the soles of their feet to create a rhythm of "kick -> pushed back -> kick again," which stabilizes the trunk.
Placing a rolled-up towel under their lower back causes the pelvis to tilt, changing the kicking angle = providing diverse muscle stimulation.
⚠️Warning signs
Only one leg moves vigorously while the other barely moves
The upper body arches excessively or the face turns reddish-purple
→ Please have them checked at a pediatrician or developmental consultation.
2. Back-crawling ―― An alternative route (not recommended) of moving "backward" while arching
Why does back-crawling happen?
Babies with a strong arching posture who are not good at lying on their stomachs may choose to "move backward" by kicking the floor with their heels while on their backs and sliding with their backs.
Since their field of vision is fixed toward the ceiling and the time they spend using both hands freely is reduced, this is not a "main means of movement" you want them to adopt.
Risks of back-crawling
Hyperextension of the neck and lower back becoming a habit can lead to delays in crawling and sitting.
Prone to flat head syndrome (brachycephaly).
Bias in spatial cognition (lack of experience looking forward and to the sides).
Environment to set up
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Prone position retry set
Place a bath towel under the chest to make it easier to prop up on elbows.
Place a mirror or colorful toys in their line of sight to motivate them to look forward.
Non-slip floor + barefoot to reduce flailing and guide them toward crawling on all fours.
A total of 5-10 minutes of "prone time" per day as a guide, short intervals are fine.
There is no need to forbid lying on the back entirely.
However, it is good to be mindful of encouraging tummy time and help the baby do so.
3. Extended tummy time + thumb sucking
Key points for the extended tummy time position
The tummy time position also changes from the prostrating pose with the bottom raised to an extended tummy time position with the whole body on the floor.
Babies who can relax when they bring their hands next to their face in the tummy time position will start sucking their fingers.
If they feel their neck is tired or they want to turn toward a sound, they will perform a head turn on their own in the direction they want to face. Turning the neck to the left and right is muscle training for the neck and back.
In the prostrating tummy time pose, the center of gravity is in the head. At this stage, the center of gravity makes a small 'move' from the head to the chest.
Recommended play
"Voice Runway": Slowly slide a rattle about 30cm to the left and right of the baby's face to encourage tracking and head turns.
Ball-chasing tummy time: Touch a rolling ball with one hand -> shift weight -> reach with the other hand.
"Roll-around break" every 5 minutes: Return to lying on the back, bring the knees to the chest and rock gently to reset the muscles that were stimulated by the extension.
When you are concerned
Neck is fixed to either the left or right / Area around the mouth is red from excessive thumb sucking
-> Moisturize + lip massage, and consult a doctor or physical therapist.
4. Guiding the "journey of the center of gravity" — 0-3 month roadmap
Link legs and core with back-lying leg kicks
Back-lying appears occasionally -> Strengthen the flow toward tummy time
Mobilize neck and back with extended tummy time + thumb sucking
Forearm support stabilizes, gaze looks far away. Neck control is almost there!
The baby's center of gravity moves south little by little: head -> chest -> abdomen -> pelvis.
The adult's role is to navigate that journey safely and enjoyably.
Summary: Detours and side roads are also a "growth story"
Leg kicks are the "initial settings" for neural circuits.
Supine lying is a roundabout "extra route," but it provides hints for attempting to lie prone.
Extended prone position + thumb sucking is a dual-wielding approach of "hard muscle training" and "self-relaxation."
"Doing some unusual movement = a mistake" is not the case.
It is the baby's own experiment and a stepping stone to the next stage.
When you view the maze-like 0-3 months from the perspective of a journey of center of gravity × self-regulation, every single gesture turns into a shining sign. Let's continue to fully support our little adventurer on the stage of the mat today.
The next article is,7-Small "side-lying" creates the future
which is a growth stage toward rolling over.
A stable side-lying posture is also an important part of the growth process, so please take a look.
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