Category Archives: development

Plagiocephaly or Flat Spots

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You may have seen the articles lately of the rise of plagiocephaly or flat spots in babies. The latest study reports 47% of babies ages 7 to 12 weeks, have a flat spot. Something that can be avoided if its due to positioning or extended time in equipment (not from in utero positioning).

I sat in a training back in 1994 (yes, 19 years ago), just after the back to sleep motto was introduced. The physical therapist presenting said this rise of plagiocephaly would happen and as early interventionists we needed to work with families to promote tummy time, side lying and carrying babies.

So here I am all these years later…still getting the word out about decreasing time in baby equipment, especially car seats, playing on belly early on and getting comfortable baby carriers so babies spend less time pressed up against a flat surface. Implementing these simple changes has proven results…no flat spots.

This article does a wonderful job of reviewing these issues and offering suggestions.

Cross-lateral movement

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I found these articles that help explain why cross-lateral movement is important as children grow. If you’ve been in my class, you might remember the discussion and playful moves that we did to encourage these patterns. As babies should be crossing midline by 8 months, you have a good visual marker of their neurological development. This skill that begins by their first birthday, lays the foundation for reading and writing as they grow.

Want to read more? Here are the blog posts:

Sense of Wonder

Sharin’ with Sharron

 

 

 

 

 

Papa, Don’t Text: The Perils of Distracted Parenting

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Fabulous article in the Atlantic introducing even more reasons to connect with your baby instead of being distracted by all of our gadgets.

Put down your phones, stare into your baby’s eyes, sing a song, tell a story, explain what you are doing….be present in the moment and lay the foundation for your relationship and baby’s development (think future language, friendships, empathy, reading, writing…). Show your baby that he or she is the most important thing in the world!

 

 

 

Early Intervention Services For Ages Birth to 3 Years

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Most of my professional career has been spent working in early intervention (ages birth to 3 years). First as a child development specialist for an HIV/drug treatment program in an inner city, then as a program coordinator for an early intervention center based program.

I learned an enormous amount from the staff in each of these settings. And I saw the results that occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy could make even when the treatment was minimal (because sometimes that is all some little ones need).

The term early intervention has allowed families to think about therapies in a new way. A way that doesn’t stigmatize, but instead offers a more personalized plan for each child. Most programs also include the family, so services can be seamless between the center or therapist and the home.

This article recounts a mothers reasons for referring her own children to early intervention services.

http://www.weknowstuff.us.com/we-know-stuff/2013/04/the-gift-of-early-intervention.html

Although this is a Canadian based newspaper article (and the funding is a bit different), it also gives a summary of early intervention services and reasons for referrals.

http://www.paherald.sk.ca/News/Local/2013-04-29/article-3230013/Bringing-awareness-to-Early-Childhood-Intervention/1

Every city should have an early intervention system in the USA. In California, the referral would be to the Regional Center in your area. Typically, over the age of 3, you would refer to your school system for services.

If you have questions about your little one, start with your pediatrician and early intervention centers to get your questions answered.