Registration
A pediatrician explains why it's important for baby's development.
You already know that babies need lots of sleep, but being on the move matters, too. They roll, grasp, crawl, and start taking baby steps. These are just some of the many adorable things a kulit-bulilit does—and they're not just cute. When your baby is being active, he is actually learning different movements, and interacting with his environment and the people around him. Encourage your kulit-bulilit to keep moving through play—active play, that is.
Active play also has a major role to play in your baby's development. It happens when your little one is being malikot and makulit, and can already communicate and follow instructions. Because it's not just physical but also social, active play can start as early as two months, says Catherine Wong-Quiroz, M.D., a pediatrician with 15 years of experience. At this age, Baby already has a social smile and loves seeing the face of his favorite playmate: you!
Benefits of Active Play
Active play with your kulit-bulilit is fun, exciting, and definitely memorable (time flies when you're having fun!). It's also vital to his development. Dr. Quiroz gives some reasons why active play matters:
Physical development. "It is important for your baby's fine and gross motor [skills], and also the development of his muscles and reflexes." Through constant active play, your baby can fine-tune these. It also gives him an opportunity to exercise.
Independent learning. Active play helps your baby learn on his own. "It is a way for your baby to test his skills. He can learn, through trial and error, if doing something would hurt him, for example. Your baby can form memories of what's good for him and what activities cause harm. The parents can't teach everything to a child."
Social interaction. "[Active play] teaches your baby how to deal with other people, such as his parents and his playmates. When you feel that you belong, you gain confidence."
Make Time For It
Active play is interactive in nature. It takes two, usually mom and baby. Active play takes time, too, and here's some food for thought: "What's important is the quality—not the quantity—of time that you spend with your baby," Dr. Quiroz says. "Nothing can beat the emotional bonding between a baby and his parents."
Make the most out of your baby's waking time. "Before going home, leave the work-related stress behind," Dr. Quiroz advises. "Focus on your child. Kandungin mo. Kausapin mo. Quality time doesn't have to mean going out with your baby."
Dr. Quiroz also stresses that during playtime, switch off the TV. Give your kulit-bulilit your full attention. Get in the zone—and enjoy yourself, too! You'll soon realizeit's a great way to de-stress after a long and busy day. Don't forget to shoot videos of this magical time.
Active Play Even in the Comforts of Your Home
Try these active-play activities suggested by Dr. Quiroz with your kulit-bulilit right at the comforts of your home:
- Teach your baby to throw small things, such as a small pillow.
- Read musical books. Sing along together—with feelings. And while you're at it, get up and dance!
- Play with toys that come in different colors to add more excitement to playtime. Try soft balls and blocks that your baby can grasp and throw.
- Here's an easy one: Tickle your kulit-bulilit!
- Walk around together and point out the different objects in your home—but no baby talk.
- Make him sit on your lap, and then pretend you're on a plane. This is Captain Mom speaking, and we're ready for takeoff!
- Go for your own favorite childhood games. Play hide and seek or habulan.
Help your baby be free to play by choosing the right diaper that can keep up with his every move. As soon as he becomes active, it's time to pants up! The new Huggies Dry Pants is specially designed for active babies, as it has an all-around soft garterized waistband and leg elastics, giving your baby 360-degree Comfort Fit that flexes with his active movements. It also ensures up to 12-hour dryness, so your kulit-bulilit is comfortable and free to move!
Do you know that an average baby will need 1057 nappy changes in the first 6 months? Get exclusive promotions and free diaper samples by joining the Huggies Club now!
The information published herein is intended and strictly only for informational, educational, purposes and the same shall not be misconstrued as medical advice. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained in this article. Further, while due care and caution has been taken to ensure that the content here is free from mistakes or omissions, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information here, and to the extent permitted by law, Kimberly-Clark and/ or its subsidiaries do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions.
