What exactly is crossing the midline? I've learned a lot about this from my Occupational Therapy colleagues. Think of the midline as an imaginary line that runs down the middle part of the body that divides the body into the right and left sides. Crossing the midline means that ...
Child Development
Fun Jumping Practice Idea
Do you have that kiddo that just can't quite jump? Maybe they get the concept but need a little something extra to get over the hump? Have you ever thought of using a scooter board to help with jumping? Just looking for something new to try out? Check out this fun jumping ...
Working On Balance With A Ball
Living in a house with two little boys there is usually some sort of ball to trip over at any given time. Most kids love to play with balls and they can easily be incorporated into a gross motor or therapy session. Often times we think of ball games or sports and not always ...
5 Fun Ways To Use an Exercise Ball For Strengthening
Are you looking for a little change in your exercise ball strengthening activities? Looking for some more ideas to add a little flare to your session or your strengthening play with your kids. Check out these 5 fun ways to use an exercise ball for strengthening and add them to ...
Indoor Toys For Gross Motor Play
Well, it's that time of the year again. The time when many of our toys start moving indoors, because it is just too cold outside (for the parents). At our home we are lucky to have an unfinished basement that we can bring some of the outside toys in. It's a good things since ...
Crawling Tip -Outdoors
With the weather being so nice I've found that we are outside a lot! The great thing about being outside with an "almost crawler" is that there are lots of natural inclines when you are outdoors. If you start looking for inclines outside you will be surprised at how many you ...
When Can Baby Sit Independently?
As a parent it's exciting to see your baby move through motor milestones. Being able to sit independently is one of those milestones that is really exciting. I know it was for me! We have a new independent sitter at this house (although he's still wobbly)! When can you expect ...
Skills Needed For Kicking
As a mom of two boys I spend a lot of time playing ball. Big C likes anything ball related, he doesn't discriminate. He also likes to kick any type of ball. It doesn't matter if that isn't the purpose of the ball, he will kick the ball. In watching him kick the ball the other ...
Diaper Box For Baby
I wanted to share with you one of my favorite mom hacks of all time. You know all those expensive diapers you buy by the box? Well the good news is that there is I'm going to share another use for that box! I use my diaper box to let my baby sit in it when he is ready. I used ...
When Do I Stop Worrying About Tummy Time?
When do I stop worrying about tummy time? I hear this question every once and a while. The truth is you always want tummy time, but the good news is that your baby will eventually not mind being on their tummy and use this position as one of their regular positions throughout ...
Benefits of the Baby Gym
You have this cute new little baby. You love to hold your baby and play with your baby, but every once and a while you need to put that baby down! What you need is something fun for your baby to use that doesn't take much set up and allows your baby to move and work on their ...
When Does A Baby Roll Over?
You have this new squishy, cute, and wiggly baby. Your baby is starting to get better at holding up their head and is enjoying floor time. You've been waiting to see your baby make his/her first big move. Rolling often is one of the first "big" gross motor milestones that ...
Contrast Cards Board For Baby
We've been using our contrast cards quite a bit for tummy time and side lying play. I recently put together a contrast cards board that has made utilizing the contrast cards so simple. The best part about the contrast cards board is it is really simple to put together and it ...
Side Lying Play Tips For Baby
We all hear a lot about tummy time. Tummy time is a must! We are all about tummy time at our house too. I have a ton of tips for tummy time! As great as tummy time is, I realize that it isn't a position that baby is going to be in all day when playing. Many people are great ...
5 Tummy Time Hacks
Tummy time isn't always the easiest thing for a baby or a parent. Some babies just don't seem to like tummy time! As a mom and physical therapist I've had plenty of time to try a lot of different tummy time positions. Tummy time isn't supposed to be miserable! Over time, ...
Tummy Time On A Ball
Having a new baby at home has put me back in tummy time mode. I've been doing some tummy time using our exercise ball as of late. I'm not using it, so I guess it's a good thing that it's getting some kind of use! I personally start with tummy time with baby on the chest and ...
Newborn Tummy Time
I recently got my hands on the book, Begin With A Blanket (affiliate). It's written by fellow blogger and occupational therapist Rachel from CanDo Kiddo. The book is awesome and packed with ideas for baby play. I personally think the newborn stage is hard when it comes to ...
Tummy Time Tip In The First Days Home
As moms we have all heard about it. Tummy time is important for our babies. Let's be honest though, when we come home from the hospital with a brand new baby it can be pretty over whelming. There is A LOT of things to do and learn especially when it's your first baby. Plus, ...
Motor Milestones – Jumping
We have a jumper around here. I haven't counted, but I would guess he jumps over 200 times per day! He jumps off things, he jumps to get places, and he just stands and jumps. He loves it, and has been working on this skill for quite a while. It seems like it was just a few ...
Stair Climbing Milestones
It's amazing how fast my baby is growing up. I can't even really call him a baby anymore! He has started walking up and down the stairs, with adult supervision of course. It seems like he was just learning to go up and down the stairs. At our house, we still use baby gates ...