Instructions

Gather a thin stick (a wooden spoon works well) and essential oil. Allow your baby to smell the scent of the oil and put to the side. With your baby lying down, hold the stick above your baby's chest and help them grasp it with both hands. Slowly pull the stick upward, imitating a sit-up motion and activating the sit-up reflex. Gently lower your baby back down, supporting their head as you do.

The Science 

This exercise will help your little one learn how to coordinate muscle movements to achieve a goal. This will be important as your baby develops more complex motor skills later on in infancy and toddlerhood. In addition, by enriching this simple activity with scent, you can help strengthen your baby's muscle memory, and enhance the process of learning.