From that very first roll to those shaky first steps, a baby’s first year is a whirlwind of physical changes. For parents, it is often a time of wonder, but it can also come with a lot of questions. Is my baby supposed to be crawling by now? Why do they hate tummy time?
At Therabees, our pediatric physiotherapists look beyond the “when” of a milestone and focus on the “how.” Here is a look at what we’re observing during those big developmental moments and how you can support your baby at home.
The Truth About Tummy Time
We know, we know. Many babies act like tummy time is the end of the world! However, it is the foundation for everything that comes next.
When a baby is on their tummy, they aren’t just hanging out. They are building the neck, shoulder, and core strength needed for sitting and crawling.
What a physio looks for:
- Can the baby lift their head evenly without tilting to one side?
- Are they starting to push up through their forearms?
- Do they look comfortable and curious, even if only for a few minutes?
The Magic of the Crawl
Crawling is a major milestone, but it is also one of the most varied. Some babies “commando crawl” on their bellies, while others go for the classic hands-and-knees approach.
Crawling is fantastic for brain development because it requires “cross-body” movement. This means the left side of the brain is talking to the right side to coordinate opposite arms and legs.
What a physio looks for:
- Is the baby using both sides of their body equally?
- Are they able to bear weight through their palms?
- Is there a nice rhythm to their movement?
Why Quality Matters More Than Speed
In the world of parenting apps and social media, it is easy to feel like milestones are a race. At Therabees, we always tell our families that the quality of movement is more important than the age it happens.
We would much rather see a baby take their time to develop a strong, stable crawl at ten months than see them “skip” crawling to stand with a wobbly core at eight months. Every stage serves a purpose for their future balance and coordination.
How You Can Support Your Baby at Home
You don’t need fancy equipment to help your baby reach their goals. Most of the time, the best “gym” is the floor!
- Get down with them: Your face is the best motivation. If you’re on the floor during tummy time, they’re more likely to stay there longer.
- Create obstacles: Use pillows or your own legs for them to climb over. This builds strength and problem-solving skills.
- Limit “containers”: While walkers and bouncers are convenient, babies learn best when they have the freedom to move, roll, and explore their own boundaries.
How Therabees Can Help
Every baby develops on their own timeline, but if you have a “gut feeling” that something isn’t quite right, or if your baby seems to struggle with one side of their body, we are here to help.
Our pediatric physio sessions are play-based and gentle. We work with you to identify any gaps in strength or coordination and give you simple, fun exercises to do at home.
Contact Therabees now to help your baby reach their full potential. Our friendly pediatric physiotherapists provide play-based assessments that give you peace of mind and practical tools for home.