Exploring My Feet

Your Child Will Learn

To become interested in their feet, and eventually bring their feet to their mouth or hands. This action helps develop muscle control and strength.

Here’s What to Do

Help me become interested in my feet! Here are some things to try.

1. During bath time:
   • Splash water on my feet, rub them together, and let me look at them underwater.
   • When I’m drying off, massage my feet with baby lotion. Help me feel and rub my own feet.
2. After a diaper change:
   • Use my feet to play “peek-a-boo,” “this little piggy,” or another game you know. 
3. When I’m getting dressed or undressed:
   • Pull my socks off partially and see if I am interested in playing with them while they’re on my feet.
4. When we’re playing on the floor:
   • Play “How Does the Animal Walk” game. Make up playful rhythmic movements for different animals using my feet. For example:
     • Elephant: move my feet up and down in big strides
     • Horse: move my feet in a gallop pattern
     • Rabbit: hold both of my feet together to make hops

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Smile at me. Kiss my feet or place them on your cheeks.

ENGAGE

• “Splash, splash feet! Splash, splash toes! How does it feel when we rub your feet together?”
• “Now you’re hopping like a rabbit. Hop hop hop go your feet!”

ENCOURAGE

• If you notice me looking at my feet, talk about them. Like: “Yes! Those are your feet! And look at your wiggly toes!”
• If I grab my feet or put them in my mouth, encourage me. Like: “Ooh! You’ve got your feet! Well done!”

REFLECT

• Am I able to lift my feet into the air and grab them? Or am I still learning this skill?

Not Quite Ready

Continue playing games with my feet until I begin to reach them up into the air.

Ready for More

While I’m on my back, help encourage me to lift my head (tucking my chin to my chest). Hold a fun toy over my head, and once I’m interested, move it towards my feet. See if I can lift my head to follow.

As Your Child Masters This Skill

They will bring their feet to their hands or mouth while lying on their back.

Time to Complete

10 minutes

Materials Needed

None