Physical Development

A paediatric physio / occupational therapist can assist you here. However one good piece of advice is to invest in a mat (like an exercise mat - well padded but still firm enough for them to maneuver themselves on). Keep that mat in the same place in the same room. It will help to orientate him - and he will quickly learn where he is in relation to the room once he's on his mat (keep a few toys on it at all times).  

Set aside a designated "play area" for him. Initially we didn't have a spare room for this and I used an entrance hall which was rarely used. Cover all obvious dangerous places (switch radiators off in that room, cover corners with foam, cover plug sockets etc etc). I bought some sponge cloth (the type you use to clean your house with!) and cut it into large pieces, covering all dangerous corners etc. It's imperative that he has room to maneuver (in relative safety) and once you know you have covered all dangerous areas let him get on with it! It is SO tempting to watch him like a hawk and try to protect him from every bump - but he needs to learn and a few bumps in a safe area won't hurt him! Stand back and watch him amaze you as he learns! Avoid being overly protective. Take the baby out, as health permits. to any place or function that you would take any other small child. This allows the child to be exposed to language, touch, tastes and smells and allows for more varied social interaction.

Encourage your child to play on his belly (unless there is a medical reason not to.) If he doesn’t like this, start with him lying face-down on your belly. Sing to him and rub his back. If he’s OK with this, place him on his belly every day for as long as he will tolerate it. Place one or two toys near his hands.

Movement is good. *Gently* sway, rock and bounce your baby. Wait in between and see if he gives you some indication that he would like to continue.

The child needs to learn to 'see' with her feet, and to be prepared for unexpected things in her way. Play games with her. Tell her you have put some things in her path. See if she can get past them without slipping or falling.

Sometimes the child will fall. Have her practice this by failing on soft ground. Teach her to put out her hands and bend her knees as she falls. She will be less likely to hurt herself.

Help the child to recognize how the sound of her footsteps (or her stick) changes when she is near a house or wall, and when there is open space. With practice, she can learn to tell the distance from things by the sounds.