Crossing the midline
Crossing the mid-line is a very important skill and is the development of a baby using both sides of their body together. This promotes the co-ordination and communication of the left and right side of the baby’s brain.
Encouraging a baby to cross their mid-line is an important physical literacy skill and can be seen when a baby is able to cross over their body to perform a task on the opposite side. This is also very important for visual tracking, a pre skill to reading.
How you can support crossing the mid-line
Lie your baby on his or her back. Place their favourite toy or object above the head and out of reach on one side. Come down to their level to develop confidence. Let them reach for the toy using encouraging words. Allow them to rest or stop if they are tired. If they become frustrated gently bend the leg up so the hip is mobilised and help them to roll over to reach for the item. Aim to encourage them to roll over as they improve their muscle strength. Repeat on the other side, making eye contact with your baby at all times to develop confidence and security.
Repeat several times, babies feel secure and reassured when something is repeated. It also helps to develop their neural pathways.
Did you know?
The vestibular and eyes work together to co-ordinate a baby’s head and eye movements. It enables a baby to watch and track a moving object; allows a baby to look up and back down at a book with ease; and to track along a straight line and as a result to be able to learn how to read.
Tip
When picking up your baby from a floor position, help them by rolling their weight to their side before picking them up.
This strengthens the muscles on the side of their neck and keeps their head from falling out of line with their body, a clever reflex they are born with.
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