Crawling and Tunnels

Mattie has become one very independent crawler.  Once he mastered the art of crawling, he began to explore and go to different areas of the room, checking out toys and other interesting objects.  I remember our doctor explicitly reminding us that Mattie needs to learn and be an expert at crawling before he learns to stand and walk.  Crawling teaches Mattie to use his stomach muscles and bend his knees, and these movements will prepare him for the proper way of walking.

To challenge Mattie's crawling abilities, I try to think of ways to make him crawl on more difficult or tricky areas like under a table and over pillows - chasing after him often work too. ;p  

Last April, Mattie received this really big gift for his birthday.  He was not quite ready to play with the big toy yet and so we kept it first - for use when he's a bit older.  The box that came with the toy though we could already use! It had just the right size that could fit and hide one small toddler!  Daddy and I thought that it would be perfect for Mattie's very own tunnel. 

 

Crawling in and out of tunnels can make it more challenging and exciting for a baby who just learned how to crawl.  I think it amazes them that they could actually fit and go through the mysterious box.  Mattie did not want to explore it a first - he was a bit hesitant to go in the small and dark hole.  But after a few prodding from mom and dad, he went in an began crawling in and out of the tunnel!

   

Aside form enhancing Mattie's crawling abilities, concepts such as going "in" and going "out" are introduced too.  It also introduces spatial awareness as he realizes that he can actually fit in the hole.

I wonder what the box could be used as next?  Maybe when Mattie gets a bit older and starts to role play and imagine, we could use the box as an airplane, or a small tent, or a space shuttle perhaps?  Any ideas?


Mattie's Mom