Upsy-Daisy *

Your baby will soon lose two reflexes she had at birth—the grasp reflex and the baby-doll reflex (she opens her eyes when she sits up)—as she gains more control over her movements. While she still has them, play Upsy-Daisy to take advantage of these reflexes!

Leaning Skills:       

• Anticipation and surprise 
•  Grasping
• Head and neck control
• Social interaction

Materials: 

 • Soft, unslippery surface
• Your hands

      What to do:
1. Lay your baby on a soft, unslippery surface, such as a carpet.
2. Sit at her feet, facing her.
3. Place your thumbs in your baby’s palms and let her grasp them. As she does, wrap your fingers around the backs of her hands.
4. Slowly pull your baby to a sitting position and say, “Upsy-Daisy” as you go.
5. After your baby’s had a mument to see your happy face and enjoy the game, lay her back down and play again.
 

     Safety:  Be sure to hold on to your baby’s hands in case she lets go of her grasp. Move slowly so your baby doesn’t get a neck injury.