Basically, the child must be able to absorb and process information (sensory information processing). They gain experiences through what children smell, hear, feel and see. Based on that information, a baby determines whether he/she is comfortable in his/her skin. If this is successful, a baby can focus its attention on its environment and explore.
Motor skills are a child's means of getting to know his own body and the environment. Where does your body stop and the rest of the world begin? What are your limits and what are you capable of?
Sometimes a baby does not manage to go through all the developmental steps smoothly. There are challenges. What do you see happening then?
- Your child only looks one way or has difficulty turning their head to one side (preferred position).
- Your child has a flattened head or an asymmetrical head shape (brachio- or plagiocephaly).
- Your baby is very restless, cries a lot or is very calm.
- Your baby is overstretching a lot
- Your baby is very weak or very tense
- Your child does not want to sleep or has trouble falling asleep
- Your child does not want to lie on his/her stomach.
- There is a delayed motor development; you see that your child develops differently compared to other children.
- Your child undergoes a different development as a result of a syndrome (for example Down syndrome).
- Congenital abnormalities that affect motor skills (heart/lung problems, muscle disease or metabolic abnormalities).
- Orthopedic problems (hip dysplasia, club feet)
- Your child was born too early (premature)
- Your child has challenges in motor skills due to neurological damage (erbs palsy, spina bifida, brain damage)
The pediatric physiotherapist can help diagnose the problems. Early treatment/intervention can be of great importance for the rest of the development.
The examination and treatment can take place at your home or in the practice if you prefer.
