Understanding Options for Leg Braces
Key Takeaways:
1. Leg braces, orthoses, can be helpful to assist with mobility, correct a deformity, or prevent pain and injury.
2. Different trims and components are available to tailor braces to the need of the user, best determined with the assistance of a Physical Therapist, Orthotist, and/or Physiatrist.
3. There are many brace-friendly shoe options to make brace wear easier and more convenient.
When Toddler Behaviors Get in the Way of Play
Key Takeaways:
1. Maladaptive ("bad") behaviors can interfere with play, limiting development of motor and social skills, communication, and emotional regulation.
2. Maladaptive behaviors occur when a child has limited motor skills, sensory overload, low frustration tolerance, fatigue or hunger, difficulty with transitions, and small communication skills.
3. PT, Speech Therapy, OT, and/or ABA can help. Early intervention is essential!
5 Fun Balloon Games to Improve Toddler Catching and Hitting Skills
Key Takeaways
1. Balloons move slowly and stay in the air longer than balls, which allow toddlers more time to motor plan and make them less intimidating when practicing throwing, catching, and hitting skills.
2. Catching, "Keepy Uppy," Hanging Balloon Hit, Balloon Over Tennis Net, and Hitting with Object are great options to work on these skills.
3. Balloons add a fun aspect to sports play!
Worried Your Child Isn't Playing with Their Friends? The Stages of Play: What They Are and When They Happen
Key Takeaways:
1. There are 6 stages of play; from unoccupied play (0-3 months old) to cooperative play (4-6 years old).
2. Knowing these stages help set realistic expectations during play dates and on the playground.
3. Your child is always learning from being in social settings, regardless of their type of engagement. Social exposures are crucial for building confidence with peers in group settings.
Tricycle, Scooter, or Balance Bike: Which Is Best for Your 2-4 Year Old?
Key Takeaways:
1. Tricycle — slow-paced and stable, great for cautious toddlers and a great tool for strengthening the legs.
2. Scooter — fantastic for coordination but requires monitoring for leg dominance and safety.
3. Balance bike — the most efficient path to future cycling success with strong balance benefits.
Understanding Sensory Differences in Infants and Toddlers
Key Takeaways:
1. The sensory system can be more or less responsive in different kids. Knowing your child’s sensory responses help you support their play more effectively.
2. Kids who avoid sensation (sensory avoiding) may become overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures.
3. Kids who seek sensation (sensory seeking) may crave movement, loud noises, and touch.
Understanding Muscle Tone: What It Means for Your Child's Movement
Key Takeaways:
1. Tone is the natural resting tension of your muscles. It helps your body be ready to move and maintain posture. There is a spectrum of tone.
2. Low tone (hypotonia) is when the muscles are more “floppy."
3. High tone (hypertonia) is when the muscles are tighter or stiffer.
Ensuring Safety and Building Confidence: Finding a Balance in Free Play
Key Takeaways:
1. Preventing harm is essential, as is encouraging curiosity and growth.
2. Falling and failing are important parts of learning.
3. There are many preventable injuries that can impact your child in the long term if there is not enough supervision.
Should You Worry About “W” Sitting? A Parent’s Guide
Key Takeaways:
1. W Sitting gives toddlers a wide base of support making balance easier for play.
2. Persistent W Sitting can put a strain on the hips, knees, and ankles.
3. Variety in sitting postures is important.
The Current Research Behind Shoes for Infants and Toddlers
Key Takeaways:
1. Barefoot is good!
2. Some studies show better foot and ankle alignment and movement with barefoot play.
3. Shoes may be necessary for outdoor hazards or for orthotic treatment in rare cases.
My baby was diagnosed with gross motor delay. What now?
Key Takeaways:
1. Pediatric physical therapists will do more detailed examination for infants flagged with delays by their pediatricians.
2. Home exercises with caregivers are vital for success.
3. Many factors can cause delays and not all will have a lasting impact on your baby, especially with early intervention.
