Supporting Baby’s Development: The Physiotherapist’s Contribution Part 2

The aim of this series is to talk you through baby and child development, stage by stage highlighting the amazing steps that your little one will achieve with your love and support. It is truly a wondrous time and should be enjoyed and celebrated. So often as new parents we get caught up in the stress and tiredness, missing out on the best bits! For healthy babies, their social, sensory, and motor development tracks along in a generally predictable course. Every baby is different, but most should stay within certain expected limits. Keeping a watchful eye on this development is useful and enjoyable for yourself and any health professional looking after your family. In order to do this, you need to have some idea of what to expect and when to ask for help.

3 months

By 3 months baby should be smiling, babbling, and generally enjoying life. Baby should be enjoying tummy time and be able to prop up on their elbows to have a good look around. They should have good head control when held in a sitting position and to easily turn their head both ways.

This is also about the time baby “finds” their hands. They should also be using both hands to clutch at clothes and fabric (and your face and hair!) and sometimes they will be seen to be gazing at their own hands in wonder. You can imagine them saying “Wow, what are they? Are they really mine?” This is one of the important stages of baby development because in order to use them in more complicated ways later, they must first know they are there.

4-5 months

Tummy time is comfortable, with baby pushing up on extended elbows. They will alternate this posture with arms and legs extended in what looks like sky diving. Moving between these postures uses and strengthens both flexor and extensor muscles.

When baby is on their back, this is the time they discover their legs and feet. Toes are great to play with and even chew on! Another wow moment. My toes! And watch for fingers up noses and into ears.

Most babies will be starting to roll by 4months, but if tummy time has previously been a challenge, it will be more difficult.

Baby is happy to be held in supported sitting and by 5 months should be reaching for objects with each hand and transferring between them. Most toys may still go in the mouth, and this need not be discouraged as exploring (safe) objects of different shapes and textures with the mouth is another important part of learning.

Reaching and rolling: These two often happen around the same time. Baby is interested in something just out of reach and whoops! Over they go! Sometime a bit scary when it first happens, but worth it.

6 months

By 6 months, as long as baby has had lots of supported sitting opportunities, on your lap, in an upright position in the pram etc. they should be able to “sit when placed”.

They can sit for short periods unsupported but have not yet developed the ability to balance when turning or reaching. That all comes with more practice.

Popping baby in a highchair with a tray and toys is a great way to practice sitting and using both hands. Baby should now be very sociable and vocal, letting you know quite clearly what they like or dislike.

As always, vary experiences: tummy time, sitting, pram and swing.

Physiotherapists do not recommend equipment such as jumpers, standers or walkers.

Are you: Concerned? Need reassurance or help?

• Is baby not keeping up with these expected stages, while allowing for some small variations.

• Is baby a bit floppy and unable to hold their head up well.

• Is baby stiff and difficult to relax for sitting or nappy change? Keeping one or both hands fisted?

• Is baby crying too much, sleeping too much or showing little interest in you or their mobiles or toys.

• Does baby still dislike tummy time?

• Is baby strongly preferring to turn one way? Is baby’s head shape unusual or asymmetrical?

• Does the position of baby’s feet concern you?

• Is baby moving or using one hand, arm or leg differently to the other?

• Do you feel O.K? Not too tired or too sad? Back or neck pain? Bladder or bowel problems?

Make an appointment with your health professional: G.P, Child Health Nurse or Physiotherapist.

The team at Osana provide physiotherapy for babies, infants to adolescents, we are located in Buderim and welcome all inquiries, no referrals required.

Website: https://www.osanatherapy.com.au/

Phone: 1300 896 840

Email: firststeps@osanatherapy.com.au

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