Why are Motor Milestones Important? A Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Perspective.
A few weeks ago, I was giving a lecture on developmental health, including typical infant movement development. A parent mentioned that her child was very delayed in rolling, but started walking around 11 months. Based on her baby, she felt that a movement development timeline was not relevant. I thought it was important to share the significance of motor milestones from a pediatric physical therapist’s perspective.
infant playtime
Where does it come from?
When we study human sciences, it is important to understand what is developmentally typical in order to identify what is atypical. In the case of motor milestones, researchers set up observations from a large number of subjects (babies) to uncover when typical movement skills emerge during the first years of life. They combined those results into a generalized timeline of developmental skills for typically developing babies. Furthermore, scientists advanced the application of these developmental research studies to create more specific, valid, and reliable screens and test tools clinicians implement in practice.
developmental screening and testing tools
Parents, how does this information relate to you?
The mom from the beginning of this article reported an experience where her baby’s early delays did not appear to impact her later walking skills. When I listened to her story, my clinical mind started spinning. What actually influenced her baby’s delay in rolling skills? Was she a healthy baby or was she hospitalized for other medical conditions? Was she born full-term or premature? Did she spend time on the floor playing, or was she frequently placed in swings, car seats and other bucket-shaped positioners? What does the baby’s movement look like now? Has her baby truly caught up, or does she present with underlying movement impairments?
Motor milestone screening is simply one piece of the puzzle. When a baby is achieving motor milestones and then stops progress, or when a baby is significantly delayed in obtaining movement skills in a certain timeframe, a thorough and specific developmental assessment may be warranted. These assessments help us clinicians unlock what is going on with your kiddo by obtaining a detailed history, using standardized screening or testing tools, and performing measures specific to muscles, bones, and joints.
Ultimately, parents, you can give your baby the support he needs by being familiar with typical developmental patterns, and then, communicating your child’s developmental progress with a healthcare provider like a pediatric physical therapist.
Early sitting skills
How do I know if my baby needs to be screened?
If you are ever concerned with your baby’s movement development, do not be afraid to ask questions. Parents have excellent intuition, so trust your gut!
Please know, there is help outside of the pediatricians office. Boost Babies are experts in identifying what is typical, and what movements are concerning as well. We will help you figure out what to do next. All services are offered in-home or virtually and are 1-on-1 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Contact us today!