Demystifying Development: What a pediatric PT wants new parents to know
Demystifying Development:
What a pediatric physical therapist wants new parents to know.
As a pediatric PT specializing in ages birth to three years old, I am often educating parents on how to set their babies up for success with their motor development. These are 5 tips for building a strong foundation for motor milestones that I want all parents to understand:
#1. Learn to OBSERVE your baby
Set your baby down on the floor and then sit back for a few minutes to watch them. Assess their state of arousal. Watch their movements. Look for symmetry. Notice what motivates them.
#2. Give them ample FLOOR TIME
When creating your daily routine make sure that floor time is a priority by always trying floor time BEFORE putting baby in a container device such as a swing, bouncer, bumbo etc. The floor is where they flourish! Try to avoid the container shuffle where baby spends extended periods of time in restrictive devices. Motor skills are actually gained through free unrestricted movement, not through use of convenience devices. Balance any container time with double the amount of floor time.
Dr. Brita’s Container Rules:
· Simple is best!
· Limit time in containers to 15 mins max at a time
· Avoid walkers with a seat that baby goes inside
· Sit me up type chairs should not be used until baby has good head control
· Jumpers should be avoided if possible (prefer stable standing surfaces that don’t encourage jumping)
· Do not place baby in standing type container until 6+ months (ideally after baby is sitting up on their own)
· Container alternatives include: pack n play, laundry basket, play pen, babywearing, play mat etc.
#3. Start TUMMY TIME from birth
Belly down play can start as soon as baby is born. Whether it's on your chest, your lap, or
flat on the floor - give your baby the opportunity to experience tummy time several times every day.
Dr. Brita’s Tummy Time Tips:
· Assess baby’s state of arousal to make sure they are in a calm and alert state
· Try different surfaces (floor, parent’s chest, airplane, over parent's legs, exercise ball, poppy pillow)
· Add sensory exploration
· Be intentional about building it into your routine (try it after each diaper change)
· Mirrors are especially good motivators
· Use visual engagement to encourage lifting their head
· Modifications are totally ok for fussy babies!
· Roll into and out of tummy time
#4. ROTISSERIE your baby
Your baby is a 3 dimensional being, so you can think of them like a rotisserie chicken. Allow them to experience play time on ALL sides: back play, sidelying on both sides, tummy down and upright play are all beneficial for development.
#5. Let them FAIL
Motor skills are built through repetition and trial and error. Letting baby get stuck and waiting a bit before you intervene will be beneficial for building frustration tolerance. Each repetition or mess up is a learning experience. Falls and wobbles WILL happen, so make sure to allow them to occur safely by creating a baby proofed environment for your child to practice in.
What else should you know about development?
It is NOT a race! Every child will meet their milestones in their own time.
When to reach out to a pediatric physical therapist?
· Baby has flattening of their head (important to reach out early! By 2 months is ideal)
· Only looks to one side (baby’s range of motion should be symmetrical)
· Baby feels very floppy or stiff
· Trouble lifting head in tummy time by 3 months
· Delayed rolling/sitting/crawling/walking
· Motor skills are asymmetrical
· Won't bear weight through their legs at 6 months
· Ankles roll in when standing
· Child walks on their toes consistently
Now that you have all of this information, I want to remind you to ENJOY the journey because all of the mini milestones along the way are just as important as the big ones on your pediatrician’s check list! Have questions about what all those mini milestones are? Worried that your child is struggling with their motor skills? Reach out for a virtual or in-home evaluation to learn more and get peace of mind about YOUR child’s unique developmental pathway because MILESTONES SHOULDN’T BE A MYSTERY!
I’d love to hear from you! Come find me on Instagram, check out my products and courses, or book a virtual session!