Chapter 1 - Building Blocks
This is aimed at babies from birth to 6 months old
Sensitive Starts
Some babies have a trickier start to life than others. This may be due to prematurity, traumatic birth or an antenatal or postnatal diagnosis.
As a result, some babies need a little more nurturing and support to help them transition into their new world. These babies can be at higher risk of sensory differences, developmental concerns, abnormal movement patterning and orthopaedic conditions.
As well as providing early physiotherapy interventions such as stretches, positioning and facilitatory handling, we can complete standardised assessments, monitoring programmes and implement appropriate play techniques and interventions to optimise development and outcomes.
The Newborn Bubble
Having a new baby in the family is a magical time, but understanding what your baby wants and needs all the time can be challenging.
If you are finding the newborn stage overwhelming, we can help you to navigate this transitional time by exploring the science behind infant-caregiver bonding, attachment, positive interaction, cue-based care and responsive caregiving.
Babies use their behaviour as their language. By completing a Newborn Behavioural Observation, we can help you to explore and understand your baby's states, behaviours, responses and unique communication methods to facilitate implementation of cue-based care, making for happier parents and more content babies.
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Movement and Milestones
There is great variation within child development and not all babies develop at the same rate. In the early stages, the focus areas are midline awareness, symmetry of movement and tummy time. Babies may also work towards rotational rolling and the foundations of sitting in their first 6 months.
We offer a ‘Baby MOT’ standardised gross motor assessment. This is an observational assessment of your baby’s developmental stage, as well as their movement patterning. Scores are plotted on a centile chart (just like height and weight in the red book). This lets you know where your baby is against the average population for their age. It allows us to screen for any abnormalities, formulate play-based interventions to optimise development and monitor developmental progress.
Neurology
There is a substantial amount of evidence supporting early intervention for babies with neurological conditions. Physiotherapy is shown to optimise muscle control and movement patterning, as well as preventing joint contractures and muscle imbalance.
If your baby has a neurological diagnosis, we offer specialist neurological assessment, monitoring and rehabilitation to suit your child's needs.
Often, families choose to supplement NHS physiotherapy with private provision to boost input. We are able to work seamlessly with your NHS team to enhance outcomes.
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Baby Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic Conditions are a common concern for parents, but the good news is that with early physiotherapy intervention, outcomes are favourable.
Plagiocephaly, or abnormal head shaping/flattening, is caused by a variety of factors including intra-uterine and postnatal positioning. There is a significant link between plagiocephaly and developmental delay, therefore it is vital to start intervention as soon as possible.
Torticollis, caused by tightness in the Sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side of the neck, is characterised by a preferential head turn in one direction. It can be caused by uterine positioning and assisted delivery, amongst other things. Babies with torticollis often present with plagiocephaly, reflux and feeding issues.
Positional Talipes is a common foot condition in newborn babies that may affect one or both feet. It is characterised by the foot/feet turning inwards and downwards. It is caused by lack of space or position in utero and often requires specific exercises to neutralise alignment.
Paediatric Physiotherapy is the recommended treatment for these conditions, with evidence showing that early identification and intervention elicit the best outcomes.
Developmental Play
Opportunity for play is vital to facilitate development. Sensory play is especially important in the early stages, but it can be hard to know what is beneficial and what is not. There is a fine line between appropriate stimulation and over stimulation.
We can advise on the best developmentally supportive options for your baby, by adapting play positions, toys and equipment to encourage motor learning.
Things to Look Out For
Don't forget that you are the expert on your baby and it's important to trust your gut.
If you have any concerns, it's important to get your baby checked by a Paediatric Physiotherapist.
The below can help you to identify any potential issues early:
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Does your baby move both arms and legs equally and symmetrically?
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When you move your baby’s arms and legs, does it feel the same on both sides?
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Do any of your baby's joints feel stiff?
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Does your baby turn their head fully both ways?
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Are your baby’s feet turned in or down?
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Is your baby developing a flattened area of their head?
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Does your baby lift their head when they are on their tummy by 3 months old?
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At around 3 months, does your baby bring their hands together and to their mouth?
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Does your baby play with their knees and feet by 5 months old?
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Does your baby roll over by 6 months old?
