American Mothers, Inc.

According to the early work and research of Dr. Paul Dennison in the 1990’s, much of a young child’s vital brain development is facilitated because of its ability to move its body in the womb and throughout its entire life. He states: Everyday millions of babies are trying to move and develop, but unable to do so. Plastic carries (infant seats), jumpers, swings, walkers, playpens, cribs, strollers etc. restrict freedom of movement. Freedom to move on the floor allows for the reaching, turning, rocking, crawling, creeping, spinning, rolling and sitting movements critical to brain development.”
According to others who concur with his findings, babies who do not spend time on their tummies from birth onward, potentially miss vital movement that stimulates brain growth, which affects personality and learning potential.
Many outstanding innovators in the field of learning espouse the same concept. Carla Hannaford, PH.D states that: “Movement is essential to learning. Movement awakens and activates many of our mental capacities. Movement integrates and anchors new information and experience into our nervous system. And movement is vital to all the actions by which we embody and express our learning, our understanding and ourselves.”
Simply stated, from the time a baby is born they should be placed on their tummies for play-time. Through the movement of head and trunk, the brain functions affecting the eyes, ears, nose and tongue, are stimulated. While lying on its tummy, the infant’s vestibular system, which is tied to the core muscles, is developed as the baby learns to lift its head. Similarly, their shoulders, later needed for crawling and hands used for writing, are developed appropriately so that little gaps of later learning do not occur for the child.
We have known for years that children who miss the vitally important crawling stage may exhibit learning difficulties later on. Crawling helps both sides of the body work together, developing both sides of the brain and helping it to work in an integrated fashion.
In short, mothers need to be very aware that the convenient infant seats and the necessary car seats put the baby at a 45 degree angle which inhibits the important muscular development of the neck and core muscles. When these seats are not necessary, baby should be allowed floor time to fully move its body by squirming, scooting, rolling, twisting and self-activating all areas of the body through its own free efforts.
Many mothers are unaware of the movement needs of their babies. It is easier to have them confined for mothers’ peace of mind, but it is not best for the baby. If you want happy and thriving babies, give them freedom to move. When possible, avoid confinements of all kinds. As time goes on you will be glad you did as you see all that your children can do by way of reasoning, thinking and academic skills. They will be happier with opportunities to play, dance, run and jump. The joy of life will unfold and the appropriate time line of development will occur with such freedom.

Marilyn Dougall is from Portland Oregon and currently serves as National 2nd Vice President. She is the mother of 11 grown children and 26 grandchildren. She finds joy in teaching children and adults, serving in her church and community and her involvement in American Mothers. As such, Marilyn has been the Oregon Mother of the Year, State Search Chair, State President, National Resolution Chairman, National Area Coordinator as well as her current position.