Lay the child on the padded nursery table; have clothing loose, or preferably without clothing; diaper unfastened; no drafts; temperature at 70° to 72° F.
Arm movements. For development of chest, upper back, upper arms.
1. Take hold of each hand; extend arms straight on table, at right angles to body, saying “down”, 4 times; bring hands together in front of body as in clapping, saying “up”, 4 times. (Figures 1, 2.)
2. At “down”, bring arms down to sides, parallel with body; at “up” stretch arms upward to table above the head (if baby objects, each arm may be done separately) 4 times. Keep his elbows straight in both exercises. (Figure 4.)
Leg movements. For trunk and leg muscles; overcoming constipation.
1. Grasp foot, bend knee to body; do alternately with right and left, each 4 times; then both together 4 times. (Figure 3.)
2. Grasp leg, keep knee straight, bring leg to right angles with body; take each leg alternately, 4 times; then together, 4 times. Avoid sidewise movement. (Figures 5, 6.)
When the child is able to lift his head, he may be allowed to pull himself up as far as he can, holding the nurse’s hands. Grasp his hands firmly so he will not suddenly lose his hold and fall back; do not pull him, but let him develop strength to pull himself to a sitting position. (Figures 7, 8.)
At first let him immediately lower himself to lying position, gradually sitting up one minute, and slowly increasing by one minute.
Many babies at about eleven months go on all fours, bear-fashion. At this stage the wheelbarrow exercise can begin, grasping the baby’s feet and lifting them up while he supports himself on his hands and arms. This is strengthening for arms, chest, back, and trunk. At this age the substituting of rompers for dresses permits more freedom of action and minimizes accidents from tumbling.