How to Do Tummy Time When Your Baby Has Reflux
When your baby has reflux, modify tummy time by waiting 20-30 minutes after feeding, starting with inclined positions, and keeping sessions shorter initially. Use left side-lying as a rest position when baby gets fussy, and don't let fear of spit-up prevent this important developmental activity.
How to Play with Your Newborn (0-3 Months)
Simple sensory play using touch, sight, and sound helps support their brain development and prepares them for future milestones, even 5-10 minutes a day makes a difference.
When to Consult a Physical Therapist For Your Baby (0-4 months)
Wondering when to consult a physical therapist for your baby? Key signs in the first four months include persistent head lag, strong preference for one side, limited tummy time progress, and unusual muscle tone. Professional evaluation provides either reassurance or identifies areas where early intervention can help your baby thrive.
Boosting Your Baby's Language Skills During Tummy Time
Did you know language development and motor development are intricately intertwined? Combining tummy time with verbal encouragement boosts your baby's physical and language development.
Creating a “Yes” Space for Baby: Safe Play Area for Motor Development
A “yes” space is an area where your baby can freely move without the need for an adult to intervene for safety. Learn how to create a play environment that your baby can safely and freely explore.
Are Baby Jumpers Good for My Baby's Development?
Are baby jumpers worth buying for your baby's development? As a pediatric physical therapist, I don't recommend them. They don't strengthen legs or help with walking.
Toy Placement For Rolling from Tummy to Back
Learn the significance of toy placement in encouraging rolling from tummy to back.
When to Take a Break from Tummy Time: Reading Your Baby's Cues
Learn how to identify when your baby needs a break from tummy time. Understand baby cues that signal productive challenge vs genuine distress for better development.
Encouraging Release of Your Baby’s Grip
Learn about the grasp reflex and a simple, effective technique for encouraging the release of your baby’s grasp.
How Motor Skills Shape Language Development in Babies
Motor milestones create new opportunities for language learning as babies develop. Sitting enables face-to-face interaction and gesturing, crawling introduces independent exploration and requesting, and walking expands access to new environments and conversations.
Should My Baby Wear Just a Diaper for Movement and Play?
Yes, letting your baby wear just a diaper during supervised playtime is excellent for motor development. Clothing restricts movement, reduces sensory feedback, and can interfere with balance and coordination.
How to Be Consistent with Newborn Tummy Time
Consistency matters more than duration for newborn tummy time, and you don't need special equipment or toys. Build a daily habit of at least one session, even if just 1-2 minutes on your chest or a simple blanket. Newborns just need your face and presence.
Why Slowing Down During Baby Play Supports Development
Slowing down your interactions gives your baby time to process information, attempt solutions, and build problem-solving skills. Pause before helping when your baby encounters challenges, allowing time for productive struggle that supports motor learning and independence.
Learn How Your Baby's Tummy Time Skills Unfold
An illustrated guide to the progression of your baby's tummy time skills during the first six months of life.
Why Do Babies Push Backward Before Crawling Forward?
Baby going backward instead of forward when crawling? You're not alone! This normal developmental phase builds strength. Get tips for encouraging forward crawling.
How to Help Your Baby Lift Their Head During Tummy Time
Make tummy time easier for your baby with this simple towel roll technique that helps them lift their head by reducing the weight they have to work against gravity.
Outdoor Play for Babies: Developmental Benefits and Activities by Age
Outdoor play beneficial for development. and can make tummy time more fun! Uneven surfaces like grass build balance and ankle strength that smooth indoor floors can't provide.
When Should I Stop Using My Baby's Play Gym?
Once babies begin rolling (around 4-6 months), it's time to remove the overhead toys and create larger spaces for exploration and movement practice.
Variety of Positioning Instead of Tummy Time At-All-Costs
Tummy time is important, but…
10.27.2021