Vertical Play During Early Infancy During the early stages of infancy, many parents are educated on the importance of “tummy time”. Playing on their stomach is a crucial activity to improving muscle strength in an infant’s neck and trunk. However, this is not the only activity parents can facilitate with their little one! Although tummy…
Crocs Don’t Rock (A Pediatric PT Perspective) Independent walking is an exciting time for parents and their child! Your little one is now walking on their own and exploring their environment. Playing barefoot at home is preferred in order to develop the arches in the feet and strengthen the foot/ankle muscles. But, if families need…
What is Core Stability? What is our core? Our core muscles include the abdominal and trunk muscles which make up the center (core) of our body. Core stability is achieved when our core muscles work together to create stability to allow for coordinated movement. Core stability is important for all positions and movements, both stationary and…
Baby Wearing – Safety and Postural Considerations Baby wearing is a common practice that involves carrying a baby close to your body using a carrier, wrap, or sling. In the last decade, baby wearing has become increasingly popular and has shown benefits including improved success with breastfeeding, improved infant to parent bonding, and improved attentiveness…
Raising Active Kids: Encouraging Physical Activity at Home and Beyond Look around your house and find your kids. What are they doing right now? Are they watching TV, playing on an iPad, playing with toys, or are they running around? Clinical guidelines for general activity from the CDC state that children should get 60 mins…
The Effects of Sugar on the Growing Human Body Did you know that the daily maximum amount of added sugar that the American Heart Association recommends for children ages 2 to 18 years old is 6 teaspoons or 25 grams? That is equivalent to 1 mini can of coke (7.5 ounces), 3 regular-sized Reese’s Peanut…
The Importance of Climbing for Kids Children begin climbing early in life to explore their environment. This can start as soon as a baby starts to crawl or pull up to stand. As a child ages, they may climb surfaces to copy other children or just to engage in play. General Benefits of Climbing and…
Should You Be Worried About Gross Motor Delays in Your Child? Your pediatrician tells you that your newborn is at risk for gross motor delays. What are gross motor delays? A gross motor delay refers to the large motor movements of the body and the ability to move through space. In practical terms, this…
We understand that starting any pediatric therapy at Kids Place is challenging and slightly intimidating. Parents and children alike are nervous. This is normal – and ok! To better prepare you for your first visit, let’s talk more about what you can expect at your first pediatric therapy session. What to Expect at my Child’s…
Letting Your Child Fall Safely During Developmental Play by Abby Thompson, PT, DPT Pediatric Physical Therapist at Kids Place West Your child is now pulling themselves into standing, but they haven’t quite figured out how to lower themselves from a standing position. What should you do? Is it okay to let them fall or should…
