Spence’s Mother’s Day Message for mums and bubs: ‘Move Baby Move’
Published Sunday, 11 May, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Sport Minister Judy Spence is sending a Mother’s Day message to all new mum’s, to give their children the best start in life through physical activity from day one.
Ms Spence said, as part of the Bligh Government’s focus on health and fitness for all Queenslanders, the government is releasing a new edition of the hugely successful ‘Move Baby Move’ booklet – a collection of simple guidelines for mums and dads on exercise for babies.
“Mums and dads have an important role to play in giving their kids a healthy, active life, by including regular movement and exercise in their daily routine from the moment they are born,” Ms Spence said.
“Many first time parents in particular are unsure about what level of physical activity is good for their child and how important this aspect of parenting is.
“The ‘Move Baby Move’ booklet provides parents with simple, helpful information and ideas for getting baby active, and explains why physical activity is essential.
“As fragile and precious as newborn babies seem, there are plenty of things parents can do to actively engage their child.
“Some of the easy tips provided in the book to help mums and dads to get their baby moving include:
• Make sure you give your baby regular ‘tummy time’;
• Babies learn by playing, so a simple game of ‘peak-a-boo’ will not only get them moving, but encourages brain development;
• Babies learn to hear ‘active’ language, so sing along with bub and emphasise active words. Simple songs like Humpty Dumpty are fantastic to get babies moving;
• Babies love to tear up paper, so teach them to scrunch up the newspaper and throw the paper balls;
• Allow and encourage baby to learn to do things on his/her own, such as feeding and standing up using furniture.
"Babies and toddlers who are physically active are more likely to have better hand-eye coordination, increased stimulation which leads to brain development and the develop stronger limbs."
“With 50 per cent of Queenslanders currently overweight or obese, it is essential we establish a passion for physical activity in the next generation from the very beginning.
“By promoting physical activity for babies, we can help mums and dads to establish their child’s daily routines with exercise included from birth – giving our kids the best start in life.”
Ms Spence said the ‘Move Baby Move’ booklet for babies aged 0-14 months was first launched in 2003, as part of the Queensland Government’s Children and Young People Strategy.
“The booklet has since found its way onto the shelves of thousands of Queensland parents, and continues to be in demand among child health nurses, maternity wards and child care centres.
“Many mothers and fathers who received a copy of the book say it provided them with new ideas they hadn’t considered for interacting with their baby in an active way.
“Health and child care professionals have also reported that new mothers who may have suffered a dysfunctional upbringing themselves, were able to use the book as a simple manual on how to be a good parent.
“In recognition of the widespread success of this free resource, the Queensland Government is now undertaking to deliver a copy to every maternity room, day care centre and child health service in Queensland – to ensure the booklet is promoted to all new mums.
“The messages in this booklet go hand in hand with our $8.4 Million Eat Well Be Active Campaign, and the Find Your 30 initiative, which aim to encourage all Queenslanders to adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle.
“There is truly no age barrier to exercise – and if we can start with getting our littlest Queenslanders active, the roll-on effects are sure to be excellent.”
The 'Move Baby Move' booklet is the first in a series, which includes Active Alphabet (15 months to 3 years), Let's Get Moving (4 years to prep) and Daily Physical Activity (a primary/secondary school resource), all of which will be available over the coming months.
Organisations wanting to promote or stock the resource can also order copies from the Department of Sport and Recreation's website, by visiting www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact: 0408 732 491
Ms Spence said, as part of the Bligh Government’s focus on health and fitness for all Queenslanders, the government is releasing a new edition of the hugely successful ‘Move Baby Move’ booklet – a collection of simple guidelines for mums and dads on exercise for babies.
“Mums and dads have an important role to play in giving their kids a healthy, active life, by including regular movement and exercise in their daily routine from the moment they are born,” Ms Spence said.
“Many first time parents in particular are unsure about what level of physical activity is good for their child and how important this aspect of parenting is.
“The ‘Move Baby Move’ booklet provides parents with simple, helpful information and ideas for getting baby active, and explains why physical activity is essential.
“As fragile and precious as newborn babies seem, there are plenty of things parents can do to actively engage their child.
“Some of the easy tips provided in the book to help mums and dads to get their baby moving include:
• Make sure you give your baby regular ‘tummy time’;
• Babies learn by playing, so a simple game of ‘peak-a-boo’ will not only get them moving, but encourages brain development;
• Babies learn to hear ‘active’ language, so sing along with bub and emphasise active words. Simple songs like Humpty Dumpty are fantastic to get babies moving;
• Babies love to tear up paper, so teach them to scrunch up the newspaper and throw the paper balls;
• Allow and encourage baby to learn to do things on his/her own, such as feeding and standing up using furniture.
"Babies and toddlers who are physically active are more likely to have better hand-eye coordination, increased stimulation which leads to brain development and the develop stronger limbs."
“With 50 per cent of Queenslanders currently overweight or obese, it is essential we establish a passion for physical activity in the next generation from the very beginning.
“By promoting physical activity for babies, we can help mums and dads to establish their child’s daily routines with exercise included from birth – giving our kids the best start in life.”
Ms Spence said the ‘Move Baby Move’ booklet for babies aged 0-14 months was first launched in 2003, as part of the Queensland Government’s Children and Young People Strategy.
“The booklet has since found its way onto the shelves of thousands of Queensland parents, and continues to be in demand among child health nurses, maternity wards and child care centres.
“Many mothers and fathers who received a copy of the book say it provided them with new ideas they hadn’t considered for interacting with their baby in an active way.
“Health and child care professionals have also reported that new mothers who may have suffered a dysfunctional upbringing themselves, were able to use the book as a simple manual on how to be a good parent.
“In recognition of the widespread success of this free resource, the Queensland Government is now undertaking to deliver a copy to every maternity room, day care centre and child health service in Queensland – to ensure the booklet is promoted to all new mums.
“The messages in this booklet go hand in hand with our $8.4 Million Eat Well Be Active Campaign, and the Find Your 30 initiative, which aim to encourage all Queenslanders to adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle.
“There is truly no age barrier to exercise – and if we can start with getting our littlest Queenslanders active, the roll-on effects are sure to be excellent.”
The 'Move Baby Move' booklet is the first in a series, which includes Active Alphabet (15 months to 3 years), Let's Get Moving (4 years to prep) and Daily Physical Activity (a primary/secondary school resource), all of which will be available over the coming months.
Organisations wanting to promote or stock the resource can also order copies from the Department of Sport and Recreation's website, by visiting www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.
Media Contact: 0408 732 491