Encourage Belly Time
In the first few months of life, it is important to position your child on his/her stomach. This allows your child to strengthen the muscles of their back and neck, which assist them in head and trunk control.
Limit Time in Walker, Swing, or Bouncy Chair
A child's time is better spent on the floor or with assistance from a caregiver to walk or bounce, which allows freedom of movement. Walkers, exersaucers and bouncers can also result in out-toeing and toe walking as your child gets older.
Discourage "W-sitting"
"W-sitting" is a posture in which a child sits with their ankles/feet outside of the hips. Over time, this can cause excessive flexibility of the ligaments of the hips, causing unstable joints. Instead, encourage sitting with the legs in front or ring sitting.
Allow Mistakes
Don't be too eager to help your child. For example, if your child wants something out of reach, allow them to attempt solving the problem.
Wear Shoes
When your child begins to walk, it is important for them to wear shoes some of the time. Shoes help to stabilize and protect the feet.
Imitation
If you are working on a new skill, show your child what you would like them to learn. Children learn many skills by modeling parents and other children.
