Today, let’s focus on sitting balance.
Typically, 50% of infants sit independently by 6 months old. Independent sitting allows the child freedom to reach and play with toys, improves the visual field in order to observe the environment for learning, and builds core muscles against gravity to prepare for crawling, standing and walking.
Read MoreWalking seems to always be on the forefront of a parent's mind during the first year of their child's life. This makes sense. Walking is essential for cognitive, social, and muscular-skeletal development. Walking is one of the most recognized motor milestones, and, it is so adorable watching those first steps!
Read MoreTechnology is fascinating. I am so impressed with the ever-changing high-tech equipment that is out there. From car seats that easily click into strollers, to baby swings that oscillate using space technology (Man, that thing is cool!), it seems like parents are ahead of the game when it comes to finding the latest equipment to help support their babies. Though this may seem like an article on what cool new baby devices you should add to your Christmas list, this is, instead, my call to action...
Read MoreListen up, Dads, this one if for you! I know every father dreams of having a left-handed child who will one day pitch for the Texas Rangers (or should I say Houston Astros?!). While I am not one to step on any dreams, I want to address a common misconception in handedness.
Read MoreWhat's the Deal with Torticollis?
For such a strange medical term, this is one that is recognized pretty often in the parent/Mom/baby world. Here, I want to give you:
The problem arises...
When I am getting background information on a baby, I typically ask the parent about Tummy Time. How often they do it with their baby, how their baby handles being on their stomach, ect. This information gives me as a physical therapist insight into the child’s ability to move in positions other than supine (on his back), into neck and shoulder muscle strength, and possible indications of medical problems including acid reflux that would require physician follow-up care.
Read MoreWhen someone asks what I do, I respond that I am a physical therapy specializing in pediatrics. More times than I can remember, I get the response, “Oh so, do you teach babies how to do push-ups and lift weights? Clever, but not exactly.
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