Supporting Baby’s Development:The Physiotherapist’s contribution
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 a wondrous time and should be enjoyed and celebrated. So often, as new parents we get caught up in the stress and tiredness and miss out on the best bits!
For healthy babies, their social, sensory, and motor development tracks along in a predictable progression. Every baby is different, but most stay within certain expected limits. Keeping a watchful eye on your child’s development is useful, enjoyable for yourself and any health professional looking after your family.
The following information will guide you on ‘what to expect’ at each stage and ‘when to ask for help’.
Newborn – 3 months
Your newborn should be looking at your face, listening to your voice and showing a preference for soft light, and gentle voices. They will startle at sudden, bright lights and loud noises. They should be opening and closing both of their little hands, while maintaining a fairly flexed posture when on their backs and on their tummies. (It’s not too early for supervised tummy time!). They will be feeding and growing well, sleeping (fairly) well, but crying when hungry or uncomfortable.
At 6 weeks your baby should be looking at you and smiling. (What a day that is, when baby first smiles). They may also be making little cooing noises. They will be following some objects but still prefer to look at you. They should be comfortable on their tummy, easily clearing their head from side to side. This is the time you should be heading to your health professional (G.P. or maternal and child health nurse) for baby’s and your 6 week check-up. Remember to look after yourself too!
By 3 months your baby should be smiling, babbling, and generally enjoying life. Your 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.
Are you:
Concerned? Need reassurance or help?
· Is your baby a bit floppy and unable to hold their head up.
· Is your baby stiff and difficult to relax for sitting or nappy change?
· Is your baby crying too much, sleeping too much or showing little interest?
· Does your baby dislike tummy time?
· Is your baby strongly preferring to turn one way? Is your baby’s head shape unusual or asymmetrical?
· Does the position of your baby’s feet concern you?
· Is your baby moving one 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 on Buderim and welcome all inquiries, no referrals required. https://www.osanatherapy.com.au/
