http://www.whattoexpect.com/playroom/infant-activities/mountain-climber.aspx#

Mountain Climber: Honing Baby's Crawling Skills

Little crawlers (or even crawlers-to-be) will love this vertical challenge.

56

67

In This Article

1. 1. All About Toys: Choosing the Best Playthings
2. 2. Mommy's Calling: Building Baby's Sense of Sound
3. 3. Stack 'Em Up: Stacking Games for Baby
4. 4. String-Along Mobile: A Homemade Activity Gym
5. 5. Monkey See, Monkey Do: The Baby Imitation Game
6. 6. Flashlight Fun: Boosting Baby's Senses
7. 7. Zigzag Zoom! A Game for Baby Motor Skills
8. 8. Pour It On! Games for Hand-Eye Coordination
9. 9. Mountain Climber: Honing Baby's Crawling Skills
10. 10. Guided Tour: Help Baby Explore the World
11. 11. Oldies but Goodies: Classic Baby Games
12. 12. Tickle Time: Exploring Baby's Sense of Touch
13. 13. Making Funny Faces with Baby
14. 14. Newborn Activities: Maximizing Your Baby's Alert Time
15. 15. Play Behavior Explained!
16. 16. Activities That Boost Skills and Development
17. 17. Baby Play Safety Tips
18. 18. Creative Play: Stimulating Your Baby's Imagination

Here's what to do: Your little mover and shaker has an amazing desire to get up and go. So take his attempts to creep and crawl to the next level, literally, by creating a not-too-high mountain of cushions and pillows (two or three are more than enough) on a carpeted floor, and let the hike begin! Some babies may get the hang of things right away, clambering gleefully toward the summit and taking tumbles in stride. Others may need a bit of coaxing — perhaps a tempting toy placed at the top or some cheerleading from you ("Go, Alex, go!"). Still won't budge? Try a game of "Where's Mommy?" by ducking your face behind the tallest cushion and daring your baby to find you. Even if he decides that it's safer to stay at ground level, he'll still delight at the sight of your face up there.

Proficient crawlers might enjoy the added element of a chase. Plant yourself behind your baby and say (in a playful, nonthreatening voice), "I'm gonna get you!" followed up by a gentle tickle or squeeze. Don't be surprised if he busts a move up the mountain, giggling all the way.

Here's why it's good for babies: There's, well, a mountain of reasons; for one, this activity promotes balance and coordination, plus climbing can help hone a baby's crawling skills. (The "chase" game enhances language and social skills too.)