The ability to bring the hands together at the midline of the body is a significant
developmental milestone, typically appearing around three months of age. This
ability, known as the Midline Behaviour, plays a crucial role in various
aspects of a baby's growth and coordination, laying the foundation for more
complex motor skills. In this article, we’ll explore why midline behaviour is
essential and share tips on how you can support your baby in developing this
critical ability.
Why Is Midline Behaviour Important?
1. Developing body awareness:
When infants bring their hands to the midline, they become aware of their hands and body, which helps them to explore objects with their vision and hands. This newfound awareness is essential as it enables them to explore objects visually and tactilely.
2. Developing coordination of movements:
The midline behaviour also allows them to grasp and hold objects, such as a bottle or toy. As babies learn to coordinate their movements, they can reach out and interact with toys or other items within their environment. This exploration is not only vital for sensory development but also for cognitive growth, as it encourages curiosity and learning through play.
3. Crossing the Midline:
Foundation for Bilateral Skills Moreover, the ability to bring hands together at the midline serves as a foundation for crossing the midline, which is crucial for developing hand preference and other higher-level bilateral skills. Crossing the midline involves one hand moving into the space of the other side of the body and is essential for tasks that require both sides of the body to work together, such as using scissors, writing, and dressing independently. This ability lays the groundwork for more advanced motor coordination and complex tasks as your baby grows.
How the Fetal Flex Swaddle Supports Midline Behaviour
Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, so it’s essential that the swaddle they use not only promotes restful sleep but also supports their growth and development. The Fetal Flex swaddle is the only swaddle designed to do both. It supports and contains the baby’s arm movements in the midline region and near the face, promoting spontaneous midline movements that lead to the development of more complex motor skills and aid in their growth and development. At the same time, it helps suppress the startle reflex, a common disruptor of sleep, allowing babies to rest more peacefully. By combining restful sleep with support for midline behaviour, the Fetal Flex swaddle nurtures your baby’s growth, development, and overall well-being.
The ability to bring hands together at the midline is a crucial skill that supports various aspects of infant development. Encouraging this behavior early on gives your baby a strong foundation, helping them reach key developmental milestones and setting the stage for more complex motor skills.
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