Your baby inches his way under the coffee table and bumps his head on the leg. He rolls over on the play mat, and lands right on top of a plastic toy. He’s working on sitting, but tilts sideways or sometimes even backward when he loses his balance. All before breakfast.
Chances are good that over the coming weeks and months, he’ll have a dozen minor bumps, falls and mishaps before his first morning nap. Your mantra can be: “Oh well! You’re Okay!” Bumps happen. It’s a sign of healthy development!
Minor bumps and tumbles are part of becoming mobile and learning about the world. Healthy, active babies get their bodies into some uncomfortable predicaments and learning how to fall is just as important as learning balance. Your baby needs to be able to explore his safe environment freely (though supervised). Yes, having a baby-safe environment is essential, but even so, you’ll never be able to protect your baby from every bump and bruise.
Practice your UNDER-reaction.
If you gasp with fear each time and rush to his rescue each time he takes a little tumble, it’s going to be a very long few years for you both.
Even when you’re wincing inside, try to keep your expression neutral or positive, and ignore any bumps or tumbles your baby doesn’t react to. You’ll be amazed that he takes his cues from your own reaction. Babies will often take what seems like a scary or painful tumble, and then continue on as though they hardly noticed.
Of course you should offer comfort (and then distraction) if your baby seems upset or scared, and soothing if he is hurt. But most of the time, your baby will topple over from sit, or roll over and flop his head on the floor or bump his head under the table, and may look to you as to how to react. If you can foster an attitude of: “Oh well! You’re okay!” it’s likely that he will, too. Save the scooping up, attention and comfort for the times when he is clearly is hurt. Unfortunately there will be plenty of those opportunities as well. (Remember, minor bumps and bruises are a sign of healthy development 😉 )