In the latest installment of the Healthy Kids CLUU, we took a closer look at the motor development of our little ones. Our guest was Marta Ambrożewicz, an experienced pediatric physiotherapist specializing in working with infants. A child's motor development is a topic that can keep many parents awake at night. Wondering what to look for in everyday activities? When should disturbing behaviors prompt a visit to a specialist? And how to proactively support your baby at home? We've prepared a quick guide straight from our conversation!
Red flags - when should a child's behavior be a cause for concern?
Every child develops at their own unique pace. However, there are signs that should alert parents. These include behaviors, or a visible lack thereof, that deviate from generally accepted norms.
It's common for adults to label a sedentary, quiet baby as "lazy." Our expert firmly debunks this myth: there are no lazy babies! Children naturally love to explore, are curious, and crave movement. If a baby is very passive, doesn't make spontaneous movements, doesn't reach developmental milestones, or reacts to changes in position by crying (e.g., hates being on their tummy), there's a valid physiological reason for this. This may indicate barriers in their body that simply prevent them from moving freely.
What else is a red flag?
- Constant tension and stiffness,
- A situation in which the baby literally "flows" through the hands when being picked up (is too limp),
- Lack of fluidity and freedom of movement,
- Excessive, difficult-to-consol crying – or, on the contrary, its complete absence,
- Any noticeable asymmetries in posture and movement.
Muscle tension: What is normal and what is a red flag?
We all have muscle tone, which allows us to maintain an upright posture and counteract gravity. However, in newborns and infants in the early stages of life, the physiological norm is central hypotonia (reduced tone in the trunk) with simultaneous increased tone in the periphery (in the arms and legs).
As the months pass, a baby's nervous system matures, and this balance of power reverses: the trunk becomes increasingly stable, and the limbs gain full freedom of movement. The problem begins when tension decreases or increases beyond this physiological framework. Too much tension or excessive limpness creates a blockage in achieving key skills, such as rolling over, holding the head, or sitting up.
Asymmetry in infants - what to watch out for?
Asymmetry is another common problem that appears in the first few months of a child's life. Initially, it is a completely natural phenomenon, related to, among other things, the asymmetric neck reflex (ATOS, commonly known as the fencer's reflex). However, over time, asymmetry should disappear, favoring complete symmetry of movement.
What causes asymmetry that persists and requires intervention? It can be an echo of the fetal position in the mother's womb, but it can also result from vision or hearing problems, or skeletal system abnormalities. Very often, however, we contribute to asymmetry ourselves. By constantly lifting, carrying, and putting our baby to sleep on the same arm, we can unconsciously reinforce these abnormal patterns.
A child requires specialist assessment if:
- Maintains a strong "C" bend of the torso (always in the same direction),
- Consistently turns head in only one direction,
- Reaches for toys or performs movements exclusively with one hand.
How to support your child's development at home?
Every parent has the tools to support the harmonious development and symmetry of their little one's body. Our expert suggests three key principles that you can easily implement in your daily routine at home:
- The floor is the best playground! Give your child as much freedom as possible. Minimize time spent in highchairs, bouncers, car seats, or rockers. Free space on the mat is the only place where the nervous system can most effectively test and practice new abilities.
- Mutual care (alternating). This is a foundation we often forget. Carrying, lifting, or burping a child should be done one on the right side and one on the left. It's crucial that both parents participate in this task and ensure this alternation is equally maintained. This will help the infant develop a correct and symmetrical body image.
- Smart space arrangement. Make sure the world of stimuli doesn't surround your baby on just one side. If the crib is against the wall, your little one will always turn their head toward the bustling room. Remember to regularly change your baby's position (putting their head where their feet used to be). During play, offer rattles or blocks from different directions, stimulating both hands!
Prevention is the key word
At the Healthy Kids CLUUb, we believe that prevention is the best thing we can give our children. The golden rule of physiotherapy is: don't wait for the problem to go away on its own. Instead of worrying, go to a doctor and address your concerns.
Even if your child's behavior isn't causing concern, Marta Ambrożewicz highly recommends preventative checkups at key points in their motor development. It's worth visiting a physiotherapist at 3 months (assessing symmetry), 6 months (preparing for crawling/sitting), around 12 months (standing upright), and possibly 18 months if your little one still hasn't mastered independent walking. Remember: the sooner a problem is diagnosed, the longer the treatment will take!
