Several dozen mothers, expectant mothers and licensed child care providers attended a ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) community baby shower at Washington Learning Center Saturday.

River Bend Education Center Early Intervention and Lead Occupational Therapist Kristen Drill talked about current laws and expected practices including crib safety and car seat laws.

Recommendations are to limit a baby’s time in a container to only a few 20-minute sessions a day.

A basic rule of thump is when you have access to a floor in a baby-proofed room where you can supervise and interact with a child, opt to for tummy time over a container. Holding a baby or wearing them in a container is better for their development than an extended time in a container.

Kalicia Strassburg, right, of Hanska, holds her baby Delilah Strassburg at the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Community Baby Show at Washington Learning Center Saturday. Below, Karen Drill of the River Bend Education Center talks about caring for babies at the Early Childhood Family Education Community Baby Show at Washington Learning Center Saturday.

“Floor time is the best thing before a baby is six months old,” said Drill. “Remember we’re talking about everything in moderation.”

At one month, a baby should lift their head enough to turn head side to side.

At two months, they should hold their head up and be able to stay on tummy for at least a minute a time, several times a day.

At three months, they should hold their head up and begin to put weight on their arms at the elbow. They should be able to visually track toys or people by moving their head. Ideally, spend a total of one hour a day on tummy.

At four months, a baby should keep their head centered and hold their weight on their arms at the elbow. Some begin to roll on their sides.

Between five and six months, they push up on straight arms and roll from stomach and back. They use their arms to pivot in a circle on their stomach. Ideally, they can get to their tummy by themselves.

If you have concerns about a child’s development and think a child may need extra help to learn and grow, don’t hesitate to refer a child. Referrals can be made by parents, grandparents, physicians, childcare providers, social workers, neighbors and friends.

The family will be contacted by the local school district to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if their child is eligible for infant and toddler intervention or preschool special education services in Minnesota.

Gilf packets from vendors and public health information were given to the first 70 parents in the door Saturday.

For more information, visit https://helpmegrowmn.org/HMG/index.htm and https://education.mn.gov