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Gentle arm and leg strokes: a play idea for 0 to 3 months

Calm touch and soft words help your baby feel safe and learn the names of their body. It takes about 4 minutes and uses a towel or blanket, warm hands.

Checked October 29, 2026.

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How to play

Gentle arm and leg strokes0 to 3 months · about 4 minutes

You need: a towel or blanket, warm hands.

  1. Lay your baby on a towel after a diaper change or before getting dressed.
  2. Warm your hands, then gently stroke from the top of one leg down to the foot.
  3. Name each part as you go: "leg, knee, foot, toes".
  4. Do the arms the same way, and stop if your baby fusses or turns away.

Builds: social and emotional and language and talking. Calm touch and soft words help your baby feel safe and learn the names of their body.

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