Exploring My Feet
Here's What To Do
1
Help me learn to make different movements with my feet!
2
During bath time:
- Splash water on my feet, rub them together, and let me look at them underwater.
- When I’m drying off, massage my feet with baby lotion. Help me feel and rub my own feet.
3
After a diaper change:
- Use my feet to play “peek-a-boo,” “this little piggy,” or another game you know.
4
When we’re playing on the floor, play “How Does the Animal Walk” game. Make up playful rhythmic movements for different animals using my feet. For example:
- Elephant: move my feet up and down in big strides
- Horse: move my feet in a gallop pattern
- Rabbit: hold both of my feet together to make hops
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Smile at me. Kiss my feet or place them on your cheeks.
E
Engage:
- “Splash, splash feet! Splash, splash toes! How does it feel when we rub your feet together?”
- “Now you’re hopping like a rabbit. Hop hop hop go your feet!”
E
Encourage:
- If you notice me looking at my feet, talk about them. Like: “Yes! Those are your feet! And look at your wiggly toes!”
- If I grab my feet or put them in my mouth, encourage me. Like: “Ooh! You’ve got your feet! Well done!”
R
Reflect:
- Am I able to lift my feet into the air and grab them? Or am I still learning this skill?
Not quite ready?
Continue playing games with my feet until I begin to reach them up into the air.
Ready for more?
While I’m on my back, help encourage me to lift my head (tucking my chin to my chest). Hold a fun toy over my head, and once I’m interested, move it towards my feet. See if I can lift my head to follow.
As your child masters this skill...
They will bring their feet to their hands or mouth while lying on their back.