Supporting Your Baby’s Development – When to Reach Out to a Paediatric Physiotherapist

What is Paediatric Physiotherapy?

Paediatric physiotherapists help children achieve their optimal physical development. They have expertise and skills in treating children aged from newborn to adolescents.

Common areas we can help with:

  • Tummy Time: Increasing tolerance and strength
  • Head Shape Concerns: Addressing head preference, flat spots (back or side), and torticollis
  • Gross Motor Skills: Delays in rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking
  • Muscle Tone: Managing tightness, weakness, or imbalances
  • Balance & Coordination: Supporting movement control and stability
  • Musculoskeletal Concerns: Identifying and addressing asymmetries, particularly between the left and right sides
  • Neurological Concerns: Monitoring and treating developmental delays or atypical movements

 

The First 2000 Days — Why Early Support Matters

Did you know that the first 2000 days of life — from conception to the start of school — are some of the most critical for your baby’s development? During this period, your baby’s brain and body are rapidly growing, forming the foundation for future learning, movement, and social skills. (health.nsw.gov.au)

Addressing developmental concerns early can have a profound impact on a child’s ability to reach key milestones, whether it’s assisting with tummy time, encouraging crawling, or supporting independent walking.

 

Developmental Milestones — Is Your Baby on Track?

  • Tummy Time (8 weeks): If your baby isn’t improving at tummy time after six to eight weeks of age, we can help make it easier and more enjoyable.
  • Rolling (5-6 months): Babies typically roll from tummy to back by 5 months and back to tummy by 6 months. If your baby isn’t rolling, simple activities can encourage movement.
  • Independent Sitting (6-8 months): By 8 months, most babies can sit up unassisted. If your little one is still wobbly, we can guide you with gentle exercises to strengthen and improve endurance.
  • Crawling (7-10 months): Crawling helps develop coordination and strength. If your baby is not crawling, showing unusual movement patterns, or is asymmetrical, a check-in can provide reassurance.
  • Pulling to Stand (8-9 months): Babies often start pulling to stand around 8 months. If your baby is standing on their toes, hesitant, or unsteady, we can suggest activities to support leg strength.
  • Walking (12-15 months): Most babies take their first steps between 12-15 months. If walking seems delayed, uneven, or your baby is up on their toes, we’re here to help with gentle, play-based strategies.

 

Other Reasons to Reach Out to a Paediatric Physiotherapist:

  • Your baby has a noticeable head preference or a tight neck, making it difficult to turn their head in both directions.
  • You notice a flat spot at the back or on the side of the head (plagiocephaly).
  • Your baby consistently uses one side of their body more than the other, such as always reaching with one hand or rolling only to one side.
  • Feet are turned inwards beyond 6 weeks of age, or there is asymmetrical leg alignment and/or clicky hips.
  • Premature Babies (Under 34 Weeks Gestation): Babies born before 34 weeks are at higher risk of developmental delays. Early physiotherapy assessments can identify subtle signs and provide targeted support before significant delays occur.
  • They are wearing a DDH (Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip) splint and need guidance on safe positioning and developmental play.
  • Or perhaps you’re looking for antenatal or postnatal guidance on baby development, including toy recommendations, developmentally appropriate swaddles, and baby carriers.

 

Working Together

At Babies on the Move, we believe in a team approach to infant care. We work alongside trusted health professionals like Michelle from Parents2B, who provides essential midwifery support for new parents.

If you’re unsure about your baby’s progress or just want extra support, reach out to us at Babies on the Move. We’re here to help you navigate those first 2000 days with confidence, ensuring your baby is moving, playing, and thriving every step of the way.

Servicing the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers

0402771120

www.babiesonthemove.com

babiesonthemovephysio@gmail.com