Let me start by saying that it’s the sweetest thing in the world, but…does your baby’s attachment and unwavering focus on you ever freak you out?!
They hear your distant voice in the other room and swing their head around (according to the sitter), or you silently pass by while they’re napping and they stir awake… is it your scent?! The total responsibility and your overpowering influence on this little human’s life is REAL.
The good news is, you can take advantage of your baby’s obsession with you to get them moving around the tub in Otteroo like a little swimming champ!
Even young babies who can’t crawl yet?
Moving from one place to another is simply not possible on land for a baby until they are scooting, crawling or, if you have a serial roller, then rolling. But, in the water with Otteroo’s help, the playing field is leveled! The gravity-reduced zone makes it possible for infants just weeks old to move from one end of the tub to the other.
As mentioned above, you’re your baby’s #1 incentive to move, so your voice can be a huge motivator. This is especially true for newborns and younger babies who don’t yet have an interest in toys and objects.
Why do it?
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Even with just a small arm or leg movement, your baby can move themselves around the tub.
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Your baby will begin to make the connection that by moving the arms, legs and body, they can move from one point to another.
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These new experiences will encourage your baby to start experimenting with kicking, splashing and other bigger moves in Otteroo - they may even try rolling, or “crawling”!
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And, it builds their confidence! Even if your baby didn’t move intentionally, it’s still exciting and satisfying for them to find out that they have the power to go places on their own!
How to do it:
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Place your baby on their back or belly (up to you!) in the water with their Otteroo.
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Sit next to the tub and put them an arm’s length away from you.
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Call them over towards you with your voice and cheer on as they make their way to you (even if they’re barely moving).
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Repeat!
Tips:
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This is a big deal! You’re empowering your baby to make a meaningful impact on their environment for the first time!
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If your baby is older, you can also use bath toys to lure them over.
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Try doing it both on their back side, as well as tummy side down.
Most importantly, please remember to ALWAYS stay within arm’s reach of your baby while in or near the water.
