Baby Leg Press Push Game

A soft blanket or padded play mat

Lay your baby on their back on a comfortable surface. Get yourself positioned comfortably at their feet.

Place your open palms flat against the bottoms of your baby's feet. Most babies will naturally press against your hands — it's reflexive.

Hold your hands steady and let your baby push against the resistance. You should feel their little legs straightening as they press.

Say "Push! Push! Push!" in a rhythmic, excited voice each time you feel them push.

After each push, release and let their legs extend fully. Then bring your palms back and invite another push.

Try alternating feet — hold one foot at a time and see if your baby pushes with just that leg. This builds independent leg strength.

For older babies, try holding your hands slightly farther away so they have to extend their legs more to reach you.

Mix in tickles on the feet between pushes to keep the giggles going.

Young babies have a natural push reflex when they feel pressure on their feet. This activity works with that reflex to build real leg strength over time.

Keep the resistance gentle — you're not trying to stop their legs, just giving them something to push against. Think of it like a very light leg press at the gym.

This is a great activity for before or after diaper changes. Your baby is already on their back with legs accessible.

If your baby doesn't push back, try gently pressing their knees toward their tummy first, then holding your hands at their feet so they naturally push to straighten.

Watch for the moment your baby starts pushing before you even put your hands there — they're anticipating the game, which means their brain is making important connections.