Gross Motor Milestones

Ever wonder if your child is developing normally?

  • Why doesn't my baby like to be on their tummy?

  • Why does my baby have a flat or oddly shaped head?

  • Why does my baby feel stiff or floppy?

  • Why is my child weak on one side?

  • Why doesn’t my child move like other kids?

It all begins with a question. You can wait and see, or you can call your pediatrician and see if pediatric therapy is right for you and your child.

Gross motor skills to look out for:

  • 1 month: head bobs when held upright, kicks feet when laying on their back

  • 2 months: lifts head briefly when placed on their tummy

  • 3 months: lifts head a few inches off the surface and pushes up with forearms when placed on their tummy

  • 4 months: straightens legs when feet touch a flat surface; lifts head and chest off surface when placed on their tummy

  • 5 months: rolls from tummy to back; pulls to sitting position when you hold their hands

  • 6 months: sits briefly without support; rolls from back to tummy

What is Torticollis?

Torticollis is a condition in which an infant holds their head tilted to one side and has difficulty turning the head to the opposite side. The sooner Torticollis is addressed, the easier your baby will move forward with their development.   

Here are some signs to look for:

1) Do they look to one side persistently?

2) Do they have difficulty turning their head to their non-preferred side when cued?

3) Do they appear to tilt their head to one side?

4) Do they get upset when their lay on their tummy?

5) Do they have a flat spot on the side/back of the head?

Tummy Time

Why is tummy time so Important?

Tummy time is where it starts; where babies develop their strength first. This is where they start to lift their head off the ground, turn to both sides, and develop symmetrical head movements. This will in-turn strengthen their shoulder girdle musculature which allows them to bear weight on their arms, hands, and push themselves up to explore. Without tummy time, they might have trouble with skills such as turning, rolling, or push themselves off the ground to transfer into sitting. It may also cause unsymmetrical movements in their ability to sit, crawl, and walk, especially why they don’t develop symmetrical head movements during tummy time.  Tummy time also prevents flat spots on your baby’s head (plagiocephaly).

What can we do?

You can incorporate tummy time in your daily activities, anytime and anywhere. The floor is a baby’s first playground after all. Here are a few tips on how to encourage tummy time:

1.     Mirror – Babies love looking at themselves. Just place a non-breakable mirror or reflective object in front of them while they’re on their tummy. You will be amazed at how long they will stair at themselves and explore their own face.

2.     Toys – It’s always best to have a focal point toy (not too much clutter around) so they can concentrate and be more engaged on that choice of toy. Move it around in a circle to allow their heads to rotate both directions, which will help strengthen those neck muscles as well as expand their visual point of view.

3.     You – The best focal point is the child’s mom, dad, sibling or primary caretaker. They love watching your face, listening to you sing, and playing peek-a-boo. Simply lay in front of them on your tummy and make your silliest face. You can also lay them on top of you so that you are face to face which is great for overall bonding.

4.     Over a pillow – You can use a rolled towel or blanket or a Boppy pillow. Some babies have a harder time lifting their head when they’re fully flat on the ground. Lifting their chest off the ground using a rolled towel will help take some gravity away for their head to lift up. You can grade the incline based on how much they can tolerate it, and enjoy of course.

BUDDY & BEAR PHYSICAL THERAPY ™

Mailing Address: 3494 Camino Tassajara #1016
Danville, CA 94506

Phone: (925) 272-8547

Fax: (925) 524-2255