Health Tip: Help Baby Stretch and Move

Encourage a newborn's development

(HealthDay News) -- Newborns may not be able to do too much more than eat, sleep and dirty their diapers. But they do have certain reflexes and movements.

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The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions to encourage newborns' movements and coordination:

• Allow your baby time each day to freely stretch growing arms and legs.
• Let baby try to turn and lift the head. But be sure to support the baby's head and neck.
• Keep a careful eye and hand on baby at all times, even a newborn, to prevent rolling or falling off of a changing table or other furniture.
• Over time, your baby's reflexes and movements should become more deliberate and controlled.
• Bring up to the pediatrician any concerns about baby's movement, growth, reflexes or development.

-- Diana Kohnle