Beginning Writing
Create a bedtime routine for baby with a calm bath and massage. Dim the lights and use a quiet peaceful tone as you place your baby in the water. As you wash him, take time to slowly massage his hands and arms. Open up his hand with your thumb and softly rub the palm and top of his hand. Then work your way up each finger with your index finger and thumb. You can also pay close attention to his wrists and arms all the way up to his shoulders. Gently holding his wrist in one hand, use your other hand to rub from his wrist to his shoulder and then rub around his shoulder in a circular motion.
Massaging baby’s hands and arms will help him to become more aware of his hands and their movements, helping with the fine motor skills that will be needed later on for writing. Think of washing and massaging your baby as a way to wake up his senses.Ìý
If your baby doesn’t enjoy bath time, leave it out. Babies don’t need to be bathed more than once or twice a week, so don’t feel bad if you need to skip this experience. Instead, when you change your baby’s diaper before bed, use lotion to give him a gentle massage. Follow the same steps to rub your baby’s hands and arms.