Module 5&6:Planning, Implementing and Evaluation of Stimulation Programme for Infants (birth – 6 months)
Activities for touch
Stretch gently and firmly on child’s face to make different faces. Start at the ears and move toward the mouth.
After face stretches, gradually work toward touching child’s lips, the skin inside the mouth. Put the finger inside the lips, stroke the area in between the cheek and gums, starting in front of the mouth working towards the molars, first on the bottom then on the top. Always use firm and deep touch.
Touching the biting surfaces (gums and / or teeth). Starts with child’s lower jaw press firmly downward at the front of the mouth, working back towards the molars. Then move to the upper jaw and push upward, again moving from front to back. The goal is to learn bite and chew.
Touch the palate and stroke firmly from one side to the other. Do this only on the front third of the palate (where bumps or ridges are present).
Apply oil and gently massage all parts of the body by rubbing and stroking their babies’ before giving bath. Interact with the baby while giving bath.
Rub the baby’s skin with different textures such as terry cloth, silk, fake fur, and velvet to feel. They can gently tickle babies’ tummies and legs.
Roll the baby up in a blanket (leave the head). Roll him back and forth and then unroll him out for vestibular stimulation.
Provide toys with different textures like soft toys, cloth and wooden blocks.
Parents can hold their babies upright for a few minutes at a time, supporting their heads at first, until they have the neck strength to hold their heads steady to gain control over their head.
Participants