<![CDATA[Steps 2 Grow - BLOG]]>Fri, 18 Aug 2023 04:10:47 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[7 Reasons Not To Purchase A Bassinet Like This]]>Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:59:29 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/7-reasons-not-to-use-bassinets-like-this
Marketing teams in the baby gear industry are so good at taking advantage of new parents. They advertise all sorts of shiny promises like building stronger leg muscles, teaching a baby to sit or walk, and guaranteed sleep for parents. Of all of the infant devices and equipment marketed to parents, I truly can't think of one that is actually beneficial or necessary for a baby's development. Sleep positioners that harness or zip in a baby and jostle in response to a baby's movement or crying is no exception. Here are 7 reasons to consider not purchasing one. 

1. Increased risk of head shape issues

Mechanical bassinets with harnesses or zippers hold an infant in one position. If that baby is showing any signs of neck tightness, muscular asymmetry, or limited movement of the head (which many babies do!), being strapped to a sleeping surface will further discourage movement of the head. This promotes constant pressure on the skull, which can significantly increase the risk of plagiocephaly, or "flat head syndrome." Plagiocephaly is not just a cosmetic issue, it can cause long-term mis-alignment of the jaw, eyes and ears. Research shows this deformation has physical, developmental, and psychological impacts, which can become more apparent as infants age and when treatment is too late. Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) can cause practical difficulties with wearing glasses, helmets, or other head protection later in life. A study investigating development in toddlers with and without DP found that toddlers with DP scored lower on all sections of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition when compared with unaffected, demographically similar toddlers. A misshapen head also brings a psychosocial concerns and emotional difficulties relating to symmetrical features being considered more attractive than asymmetrical features. I advise that you trust your parental instincts and if you are concerned about your baby’s head shape or notice limited head movement, seek out the opinion of a pediatric OT trained to assess head shape.

2. The infant is unable to move or reposition themselves

The fear of SIDS is no joke among new parents. And bassinets that prevent a baby's movement probably provide some peace of mind knowing a baby is not going to roll over and suffocate. But, believe it or not, it is really important for babies to have freedom of movement while sleeping, especially by three months of age. Although the prevention of SIDS is attractive, the restriction of movement (up to 6 months of age as described by the website) directly opposes the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that when an infant independently repositions him/herself to their sides or stomach, it is safe and desirable to allow this. Many pediatric practitioners recommend no swaddling past 8 weeks of age for this reason. Rachel Y. Moon, M.D., a pediatrician and the chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is the leading voice in recommending that parents stop swaddling at eight weeks of age. Dr. Moon notes that babies are capable of rolling by 2 to 2 ½ months and that if swaddled babies are down on their stomach, the risk of SIDS increases 13 to 14 times. Let's face it, our children reach new developmental milestones while we aren’t looking and it’s often at night in the crib. Learning to reposition themselves like this positively influences motor development when they are awake. If movement is impeded by a bassinet that zips in a baby or straps an infant into place, this opportunity for motor skill development will be missed, and development can be slowed, or even delayed. 

3. Possible delay in integration of startle reflex

The startle reflex, or "moro" reflex, is one of the primitive reflexes a baby is born with, and it generally disappears around 3-6 months of age. Although this reflex seems like a nuisance when you're trying desperately to keep your new baby sleeping, it serves a key evolutionary purpose: to ensure a baby responds to danger. Said danger could be a tiger in the nursery, or the baby's breath slowing down too much. This reflex is a natural, built-in, alarm system that keeps a baby in a lighter sleep stage, which actually decreases the risk of SIDS. Strapping a baby into a bassinet inhibits the moro reflex. A baby that can't move will not startle themselves, or you, awake. But in order for babies to integrate their primitive reflexes, they need the opportunity to overcome them. Being strapped to a sleeping surface eliminates that opportunity. 

4. It interrupts caregiving practices that promote bonding

If the purpose of this bassinet is to jostle anytime the baby cries or moves, and keep jostling until the baby falls back asleep, do you think parents are getting up to change, feed, or rock their baby as often? Do you think they are learning their baby's cues? Maybe they are. But maybe they aren't! If this bassinet keeps everyone sleeping, as it promises to do, it can impact important early bonding practices. These bassinets are essentially a night time parent replacement. Instead of the baby learning that mom or dad comes to hold them anytime they cry, the bassinet rocks. Instead of getting multiple feeds in the middle of the night when baby is hungry, the bassinet jostles. Instead of getting a couple new diapers, the device continues to increase the level of jostling and rocking, and maybe even adds white noise that gets louder and louder. If it's successful at its babysitting job, mechanical bassinets will lull a baby back to sleep without mom or dad having to get up at all. As a result, baby misses out on all the warm hugs from mom or dad, clean diapers, full bellies, and comforting voices they would have gotten throughout the night. Not even the best robot can replace the physical presence of another human. While sleep is important, human contact is equally as important, and babies need humans most of all. 

5. Milk supply may decrease

These bassinets have been shown to help babies sleep 9 hours or more by the time they are 2 to 3 months old. If that causes fewer feeds overnight, milk production could decrease. It is simple supply and demand. Additionally, if a baby is sleeping for long stretches of time and not eating, this can lead to weight issues. It just so happens that the flattening of the growth curve often happens when sleep training begins. Sleep patterns are very individual and many babies need middle of the night feeds in order to maintain adequate growth and brain development.

6. The cost is astronomical

These bassinets cost $1,595 to buy one outright. There are even rental programs available if you want to rent one for a few months at $149 per month. I suppose parents will do anything for sleep, especially with multiple kids at home. But that money could easily go towards investing in a night nanny, or a consult with an infant sleep expert. The leftovers could be set aside in an emergency fund or savings account for higher education later on. Just sayin.

7. The protocol for use may lead to later sleep issues

Bassinets like this often come recommended with a protocol for use. They even recommend renting a unit when traveling out of town to maintain the consistency. While schedules and routines are important for young children, I do not advise they become overly rigid. When we adhere to rigid schedules and routines, it can lead to limited flexibility and difficulty with schedule changes. Not to mention, weaning from this device could become very challenging. If a baby is only sleeping in one kind of environment, the infant is not learning to adjust to various environments, and this can lead to later sleep issues. In an ideal world, we would want babies to establish a strong foundation for adaptable sleeping, learning to be comfortable sleeping at Grandma's house, at daycare, and in a pack 'n play when you're on a road trip. You could start to do this by following your normal pre-bedtime activities (same order of events or same book), then follow that with a variation in environment (noise, light level, location). This sets the stage for successful sleepovers, summer camp, and vacations later on. But depending on a "smart" bassinet to sooth your baby to sleep with its bells and whistles for months could end up being counterproductive to the very promise it makes.

A pediatric OT's final thoughts: The marketing is misleading

This type of bassinet has a lovely aesthetic. It is sleek, minimalist, and made with organic GOTS certified cotton (something I always look for in infant clothing and sleep gear). It is well marketed as being developed by a pediatrician, and it promises sleep quality and quantity for all. But, I find the marketing to be highly selective and misleading, and the product itself not in the best interest of developing infants. It is designed for parents, not babies. It could quite possibly end up as the most expensive laundry basket, too.

If you use a bassinet like this and are now feeling worried or guilty...

Just remember that information and knowledge is not always available before decisions are made. You are doing the best you can as a new parent in novel situations with the resources you have. That is okay! Parenting entails constant course adjustments. As you learn new things, you can always course correct as you feel fit.
Also, your goals and values may be different than mine as a pediatric developmental specialist. You get to decide what approach you take. You have my full support and encouragement to do what you deem best for your infant and your situation. 
I hope this information was helpful, and gentle. Pat yourself on the back for seeking out new information and looking into what is best for you and your baby!

You may also like:
MINDFUL Steps To Motor Milestones: An online course for new parents
Why We Should Stop "Teaching" Our Babies
Retained Primitive Reflexes
How To Choose The Right Childcare For You and Baby
8 Effective Ways To Calm A Fussy Baby
How To Help Your Baby Learn To Crawl

]]><![CDATA[Let Your Kiddo Go Naked! The Benefits Of Diaper-Free Time]]>Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/let-your-kiddo-go-naked-the-benefits-of-diaper-free-time
It's a given that most babies wear diapers in western culture. But diapers may be trapping more than your baby's waste! Diapers are bulky and that bag of warm pee holds a baby’s hips wider than natural positioning. This can impact a baby’s mobility as they are learning to roll, crawl, and walk. Both disposable and cloth diapers have been scientifically shown to negatively affect an infant’s walking patterns. Read on to learn more...

Studies show diapers impact a baby's balance and mobility.

In one of the studies looking at the effects of diapers, scientists compared the walking gait patterns of 60 babies who were either naked, wore a thin disposable diaper or a thick cloth diaper. Half the babies were 13-month old novice walkers and the other half 19-month old experienced walkers. 

When the 13-month olds walked naked, only 10 fell. When they wore disposable diapers, 17 of them fell. When they wore cloth diapers, 21 of them fell.

When the 19-month olds walked naked or wore disposable diapers, only 4 fell. When they wore cloth diapers, 8 fell.

Diapers resulted in both age groups taking wider and shorter steps, as opposed to walking naked.

Picture
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
When in diapers, the babies were far more likely to stumble or fall. Their gait was far clumsier. But once freed from being super fluffy-bottomed, the infants’ walking was immediately more skillful. Without a diaper, their stride was, almost instantly, much more mature. Sometimes years more mature, and they walked less like babies.

These findings are interesting on a few levels...

A baby’s brain learns with astonishing speed given the right conditions: Without a diaper, they immediately recognized that they could walk more efficiently, even though many of them had never done it like that before.
What we think is cute about babies walking, and babies walking is the pinnacle of cuteness, may not have that much to do with the baby after all: It has a lot to do with the diaper.

Does wearing diapers have any long term impact?

Given these findings, we cannot conclude whether wearing diapers and learning to walk in diapers has any long-term impact. But, research shows that diapers may trap more than your baby’s waste—they may also confine a baby’s ability to walk and alter the organization and efficiency of their movement patterns. And when babies walk naked, they achieve more mature, organized, and balanced mobility.

What should we do with this information?

Whether you use disposable or cloth diapers, I recommend that you provide some diaper free "nakie time!" That's what my parents called it, at least.

Playing in the nude allows for full range of motion and total freedom of movement. It also has other benefits like being a great remedy to diaper rash and yeast infections, encouraging sensory integration, and promoting skin to skin contact. Plus, babies LOVE to be naked! 

Let's make it stress and mess free, though. Amiright?

Because we know about the constant worry of when - and where - the mess will occur.
If the weather is nice, let your baby play in the buff outside, where it doesn’t matter if there is an
accident. This would work well right before bath time if your baby gets dirty.

If you are inside, play on a waterproof mat, mattress protector, or lay down some plastic. 

Use baby gates to keep your naked kiddo in a contained area with the mat, or in an area that you are willing to clean.

Provide naked time in areas that are easy to clean. Definitely avoid your bed and carpeted areas.

Do diaper free time right after your baby has eliminated. 

Tune into your baby’s pee and poop patterns and schedules, and you may be able to increase your chances of avoiding a mess. It’s not foolproof, but it's a chance. If you look close enough, you may even see some subtle cues that your baby is about to go, maybe a sudden movement, a facial expression, or a specific body position. This will also lay a foundation for later potty training.

I would also consider having a diaper right next to you during naked time just in case.

Make naked time a routine. When you work it into a ritual of the day, like right before bath time for example, then it becomes built in to every day without having to think about it too much, and your baby reaps the many benefits!
Happy nakie play time!

You may also like:
Why We Should Stop "Teaching" Our Babies
Retained Primitive Reflexes
How To Choose The Right Childcare For You and Baby
8 Effective Ways To Calm A Fussy Baby
How To Help Your Baby Learn To Crawl

]]><![CDATA[How to make messy play and little less.... messy.]]>Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/how-to-make-messy-play-and-little-less-messy
Do you cringe at the thought of sensory bins and rice potentially going everywhere? Do finger (or toe!) paints cause immediate anxiety? I know so many moms who feel complete overwhelm by the thought of messy sensory play and the amount of prep work and cleanup that results. The solution is often avoiding it. But messy sensory play is so important for a child’s development! And there ARE ways to make it less messy and more tolerable for you, while still maintaining the awesome developments benefits it provides your kids.

First, let's talk about 3 major reasons WHY messy play is so important.

1. Getting messy encourages adaptive responses to tactile input.
The tactile system plays a huge role in successful development and overall wellbeing. A healthy tactile system allows a child to tolerate touching, tasting, and exploring new textures in the hands, on the body, on the lips, and in the mouth. It allows a child to tolerate wearing different materials and ignore the tag in the back of their shirt. Messy play is a great way to desensitize the tactile system early and promote appropriate and adaptive responses to tactile input. The more textures a child is allowed to explore with their hands (and feet, too!), the more tolerance they will develop, and the more likely they will allow these textures to touch them. A child who lacks basic experiences with textures early on can develop a heightened sense of touch, often resulting in crying or screaming if they get their hands or face messy, or complete avoidance of certain activities.

​2. Sensory comfort comes before skill development.
Sensory comfort refers to the ability to feel safe and secure emotionally and physically when surrounded by sensory input. A child needs to feel okay in the presence of various sensory stimuli (i.e. visual, touch, smell, taste) before they can try new things and master new skills. Messy play helps a child build that sensory tolerance and sensory comfort, allowing their nervous system to efficiently process information and learn new skills.

3. Getty messy during mealtimes helps a child develop normal feeding patterns
Getting messy with food and learning to self-feed supports the progression of sensory comfort, oral motor skills, and independence in feeding. Messy meal times provide great opportunities to explore all sorts of different sensations orally, maximizing a baby’s natural drive to explore and learn through their senses. Getting messy enables a child to learn how to manipulate, bite, chew, and then swallow foods, which reduces the risk of poor tolerance of textures, gagging, and choking. Not allowing babies and toddlers to make messes, or delaying self-feeding in hopes of reducing mess, can in some cases interfere with normal feeding patterns and contribute to selective and picky eating patterns later on.

​Although messy play is super important, it does not have to end in edible finger paint all over your face or the floor.

Here are some less-mess sensory play hacks that are easy on mom, and super beneficial for kiddo...
1. Grab a large storage bin, and fill it with some oatmeal. Cornmeal or Rice Krispies also make good fillers. Help your kiddo get inside, and there’s your indoor, edible, contained, and mostly-messless sandbox! Add some toys in there, and some cups and bowls for scooping and dumping.

2. Play with cooked spaghetti in a plastic bin while sitting on a surface that can be cleaned easily. Hide toys in there for your little one to find. If you have the time, using food coloring to dye the spaghetti into different colors offers another great sensory dimension.

3. Fill a bowl with fresh fruit or balls of melon for a tasty tactile play activity.

4. Make sensory bags and tape them to the floor or wall for your little one to explore with their hands. You could fill the bags with ice, frozen veggies/fruit, fresh fruit, paint, pom poms, cooked pasta, bubble wrap, you name it! Secure the top with duct tape, and tape all 4 sides to the floor/wall with painter’s tape.

5. Play with ice. Put some ice in a bowl and let your kiddo explore that cool temperature and slippery sensation.

6. Walk barefoot as much as possible, indoors and outdoors in sand, grass, and wet grass. Anytime your child can safely walk barefoot, definitely let them!

7. Make time for extended unstructured time outside in nature. This could be as simple as just laying in the grass and feeling it tickle the skin.

8. Use bath time! Bring out some edible finger paints, and get messy in the place where you are going to be cleaning your kiddo anyway.

Here is one of the BEST less-mess hacks: 

Put a fitted sheet on the floor, place small chairs or stools on the inside of each corner, and pull the corners up and over the furniture to create a messy play area that you can just pick right up, shake out, and throw in the wash (or re-use tomorrow!).
Sensory related diagnoses are on the rise more than ever. It is important to teach our kids, and train ourselves, that being messy is okay and a critical part of play and development.

You may also like:
20+ Brain Boosting Play Activities For Toddlers
30 Ways To Use Household Items For Play
10 Ways To Teach Impulse Control
5 Belly Breath Exercises For Kids
30+ Indoor Heavy Work Activities For Kids

]]><![CDATA[Tantrum or Sensory Meltdown: Which one is it?]]>Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/tantrum-or-sensory-meltdown-which-one-is-it
Sensory meltdowns are often mistaken for tantrums, and for good reason! They look incredibly similar. But they are very different and it is important for us to know which one we are dealing with, so that we can identify our kids' needs and respond appropriately. Read on to learn how to identify whether it is a tantrum or sensory meltdown, triggers of sensory meltdowns, and what to do to help your child manage sensory stimuli and prevent meltdowns from happening.

Let's figure out the difference between the two: Tantrum vs. sensory meltdown.

Common characteristics of a tantrum:
  • Crying
  • Screaming
  • Stiffening of the limbs
  • Arching the back
  • Kicking
  • Falling down
  • Flailing about
  • Running away
Sometimes kids even hold their breath, vomit, break things, or get aggressive.

Tantrums typically have a purpose. They are a way for a child to express feelings they cannot yet put into words, and generally elicit a desired response from the parent or an outcome. When the child achieves that response or outcome, the tantrum typically subsides.

Common characteristics of a sensory meltdown:
  • Running away
  • Whining
  • Hiding
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Curling up in the fetal position
  • Covering the eyes or ears
  • Screaming
  • Crying
  • Hitting
  • Punching
  • Pushing
  • Biting
  • Spitting
  • Yawning
  • Shutting down

A sensory meltdown is a neurological stress response to something in the environment that is unwanted. It is a fight, flight, or freeze response to undesired stimuli assaulting the sensory system. A sensory meltdown will not just stop after "giving in" to the child.

What do you do in either situation?

If you want guidance on how to tame a tantrum, I would check out the resources at Big Little Feelings.

To manage a sensory meltdown in the moment, try to:
  • Control your response: Remember that your child is having a neurological response and you cannot help your child calm down if you are not calm yourself
  • Offer compassion and connection: No judgement or discipline
  • Remove your child from the triggering stimulus: Try to identify what the trigger is for future reference, and take your child to a place with very little sensory stimuli
  • Talk as little as possible: Once your child is having a fight or flight response, their ability to access the higher parts of their brain that processes language is shut down, so maybe just repeat "let's breathe, let's breath"
  • Help your child focus on regulating their breath: Focusing on breath helps bring down the heart rate and calm the system
  • Offer calming sensory input: Keep a weighted blanket handy if you feel the need, give a bear hug with deep pressure, dim the lights, or play calming music

What you can do to prevent sensory meltdowns from happening in the first place:

Not all sensory meltdowns can be prevented, but there are some things you can do to help reduce the intensity and frequency of them:
  • Keep your child hydrated, fed, and well rested as much as possible
  • Get familiar with any patterns or specific triggers, and help your child become aware of them, too
  • Develop an exit strategy: if your child is capable, involve them in a discussion about hypothetical situations and what the plan is for dealing with unwanted sensory experiences
  • Create a calm down kit with sensory supports and tools: practice using these tools and techniques so that your child is familiar with them in the heat of the moment. I like these printables.
  • Practice breathing techniques: blow bubbles or pinwheels, lay down with your hand or a stuffed animal on your bellies and watch them rise with each breath
  • Make time for physical exercise and play outside: these are great stress relievers and nervous system regulators!
  • Create a calming sensory area your child knows they can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed
I hope this helps you tune into what your child is communicating, and equips you with some new tools!

You may also like:
20+ Brain Boosting Play Activities For Toddlers
30 Ways To Use Household Items For Play
10 Ways To Teach Impulse Control
5 Belly Breath Exercises For Kids
30+ Indoor Heavy Work Activities For Kids

]]><![CDATA[How to boost your child's development during your daily "have-to's"]]>Wed, 17 Feb 2021 02:25:06 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/how-to-boost-your-childs-development-during-your-daily-have-tos
One of the most relieving messages I give parents is that many of the motor skills we want our kids to develop are built into normal everyday activities. In other words, we can enrich the most mundane moments of the day with brain boosting elements that will further support your baby’s development of body awareness, motor planning, and motor skills. Without having to think about it too much! Here's how...
Think about the small and big activities that make up your daily routine: picking up, holding, and carrying your child, getting your child dressed, meal times, changing diapers, getting into the stroller, running errands, going for walks, cleaning, folding laundry, cooking, bath time, and so on. Learning and development are embedded in all of those little activities of everyday life. We just need to make a few simple tweaks and upgrade them to target developmental skills.

​Here are a few little adjustments you can make to your daily have-to’s that will support your child's motor and cognitive skills.

Do things with your child, instead of to your child.

Aim to join your child in activities and involve him/her. Think about doing small daily actions WITH your child, instead of TO your child. When you help your baby get dressed, catch her attention and invite her to participate however she can. When you tie your toddler's shoe, encourage her to watch how you tie the laces. Joining your child like this offers learning experiences in moments that could otherwise be void of their involvement and awareness.

Be mindful of how you use your hands and body.

​The hands you use and movements you make to help your child through daily routines are your child's first connection with the world, and her introduction to feeling her body through yours. The way we move and touch our babies and kids can either help bring their awareness to their physical self and how they is moving, or not.  As you go through daily tasks like diaper changes, getting dressed, putting your child in the high chair, or laying your child down, slow down the speed at which you move your child, and reduce the force you use. If you can take your time and move gently and slowly, your child will be able to feel and notice more clearly what is happening with her body, perceiving more of her own movement and less of yours.

Narrate your process.

Narrate your process as you flow through daily routines. Instead of swiftly picking up your child to take her somewhere, take the opportunity to talk to her and tell her what you are doing with her body. “I am going to put my hands right here, on your ribs, and bring you up, one leg is coming over to this side, and the other over here, and we are going to walk over to the kitchen for a snack.” Narrating your process like this involves your child and encourages her to be a more active participant in her movement during seemingly passive activities.

Create safe play spaces where you need your hands free.

Whether you have an infant or a toddler, create safe play spaces in multiple rooms of your house where you need your hands free for your job or housework. Maybe in the kitchen, in your bedroom or bathroom, and the laundry room where you do endless loads of wash? Have a safe wiggle space for your child in each of those places, so that you can keep a close eye on your kiddo and get your chores done at the same time. But, BONUS, you can feel like such a great parent because your child is happily moving, exploring and learning while you’re busy. ​

Invite your kiddo to be part of the task with you.

Invite your kiddo to be part of the task with you. Before mealtimes, let your little one crawl or walk over to the high chair, instead of you picking her up and carrying her over. If you have a pre-crawler, have her work towards sitting up for you before you pick her up. As you cook the "whatevers-in-the-fridge" casserole, hang toys or loofahs from the cabinet handles or freezer drawer handle to encourage your baby to sit and play, pull to stand, or cruise around to go get them while you cook. Or hand your toddler salad tongs to pick up cut veggies and put them into a pot. As you fold the seemingly endless laundry, let your child rifle through the clean clothes, match colors, or hide toys in the clothes for them to find. 
Making these 5 simple adjustments to your mundane daily routines can make a big difference in your child's learning and growth. And you can feel super great about yourself because you are boosting your child's skills when you are just doing your daily have-to’s!

Interested in more brain boosting tips?

Check out these 2 free email courses specific to boosting your baby's brain.

You may also like:
Why We Should Stop "Teaching" Our Babies
20+ Brain Boosting Play Activities For Toddlers
Start With A Blanket On The Floor
30 Ways To Use Household Items For Play

]]><![CDATA[Retained Primitive Reflexes: Could they be impacting your child's development?]]>Sun, 10 Jan 2021 20:16:22 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/primitive-reflexes-could-they-be-impacting-your-childs-development
You know those special moments when your baby wraps their teeny fingers around your thumb? Or the cute fencing position your baby gets into when they turn their head to the side? Those are 2 of the many primitive reflexes (palmar and asymmetric tonic neck reflex) your baby is born with. These reflexes typically disappear on their own, but sometimes they don't, and development can get hung up.
Reflexes are stereotyped, or automatic, responses to sensory stimuli, like a touch to the palm or turning of the head. They appear in infancy, and most of them integrate by age 1.

Some of the main primitive reflexes include:

  • Moro ("startle"): Earliest of the reflexes to emerge, and forms a cornerstone for life. Characterized by rapid inhalation and sudden movement of the arms upward, followed by a cry. It is an involuntary reaction to threat. It is typically replaced by the adult startle reflex by four months of age.
  • Palmar: Emerges at 11 weeks in utero, characterized by involuntary grasp with light touch to the palm. Reflex fades away as refined finger control and ability to release develop, around 6 months old.
  • ​Rooting/sucking: The rooting reflex assists in the act of breastfeeding and is activated by stroking a baby’s cheek, causing her to turn and open her mouth. It should integrate by 4 months of age.
  • Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR): This reflex is the basis for head management and helps prepare an infant for rolling over, creeping, crawling, standing and walking. It is characterized by the legs stiffening, straightening, and the toes pointing when tilting an infant’s head backwards while placed on the back. The hands also become fisted and the elbows bend. It should integrate gradually as other systems mature and disappear by 3 1/2 years old.
  • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR): Links turning of the head to one side with extension of the arm and leg on that side, and flexion of the limbs on the opposite side. This reflex ensures free passage of air when a baby is on the belly, and forms the basis of later reaching movements and hand eye coordination. This reflex should stop by 6 months.
  • Spinal Gallant: Characterized by twitching or flexion when the skin along the side of an infant's spine is stroked. The infant will swing towards the side that was stroked. This reflex helps with the birthing process and should inhibit between 3 and 9 months.
  • Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR): Present briefly after birth and then reappears around six to nine months.  This reflex helps the body divide in half at the midline to assist in crawling. It is characterized by the arms bending and legs extending as the head is brought towards chest. It should disappear by 11 months.

Reflexes are thought to help a baby learn and refine motor behavior.

As a baby matures, the higher centers of neurological control take over and the brain replaces these involuntary movements with voluntary ones. The reflexes fade away, or "integrate" as us child development nerds call it.
But they don't always integrate optimally.

They may be partially or fully retained, or re-emerge at some point in life.

If that is the case, it can impact a child's performance in a variety of areas.  

Symptoms of retained reflexes include, but are not limited to:

  • Picky eating
  • Bed wetting
  • Toe walking
  • Poor short term memory
  • Motion sickness
  • Poor fine and/or gross motor skills
  • Lisps
  • Speech articulation issues
  • Poor muscle tone
  • Poor posture
  • Inability to sit still
  • Limited attention
  • Impulsivity
  • Balance issues
  • Poor visual tracking
  • Social and emotional immaturity
  • Many other developmental delays related to disorders like ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorders, and learning disabilities

Some factors that can contribute to retained reflexes include:

  • Traumatic birth
  • C-section
  • Falls
  • Traumas
  • Lack of early movement and floor time
  • Delayed or skipped creeping or crawling
  • Chronic ear infections

If your child experiences developmental delays, it might be worth considering the possibility of retained primitive reflexes. ​

They are simple to test for, and there are exercises that may help. Bring it up with your pediatrician, or OT/PT/ST if your child receives any specialist services. ​
]]><![CDATA[How To Help Your Baby Learn To Crawl]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2020 20:16:51 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/how-to-help-your-baby-learn-to-crawl

Crawling seems to be one of the milestones that creates the most questions and concerns among parents. So, let's dive into it a little bit! When and how crawling develops, the experiences and skills your baby needs to master first, and what you can do to support the natural progression of crawling skills.
First things first...

There is a huge age range for when a baby may learn to crawl.

That said, it is really hard to slap a guideline age on it! Babies may learn on the early side between 7-9 months, or somewhere between 9 and 11 months old. The age your baby learns to crawl depends on many factors, such as natural activity level, strength, frequency of practice opportunities, motivation, and overall developmental readiness.

There are also many steps involved in the process of a baby learning to crawl.

So, let's take a look at those mini milestones and developmental steps that pave the way to crawling...starting from when a baby is able to roll to the belly independently...
  • Playing on the belly, holding the head up with erect posture, turning head side to side
  • Propping on elbows and forearms, shifting weight side to side on forearms
  • Reaching for toys with one arm while maintaining balance on belly on other arm
  • Pivoting on the belly (moving around in a circle on the belly)
  • Pushes up on hands and lifts the chest off the floor (around 4-6 months)
  • Pushes up on one hand and reaches with the other
  • Scoots backward/creeps on belly
  • “Lateral propping:” baby props herself up on one arm and manipulates objects with the other arm, while maintaining head in an upright position and not falling over. This is a great play position for improving shoulder strength and co-contraction of flexor and extensor muscles.
  • Brings one leg up toward trunk while weight bearing on arms (around 6-8 months)
  • Scoots/arm crawls forward on belly using arms and legs, gets onto all fours and independently supports weight on hands and knees (sometime around 8-9 months give or take).
  • Gets into quadruped (all 4's)
  • Pushes back into sitting from the all 4's position
  • Rocks back and forth on hands and knees, practicing balance, and probably face planting quite a few times (don’t be alarmed, as hips and arms likely aren’t strong enough to support the weight of the body right away, so you may see slipping of knees or dropping down, but with time and practice your baby’s hip and trunk control and shoulder stability will improve).
  • Move between sitting position and quadruped position
  • Able to shift weight over to one hand while reaching out with the other, without dropping belly to the floor
  • Crawl forwards!

This is a long learning process! A process we should nurture, not rush or force.

And we nurture it by helping your baby lay a strong foundation for crawling skills.

It is important to remember, that most babies will learn these skills on their own, without adult "help." Babies do not need us to teach them how to crawl, they figure it out on their own by building each new skill upon the last until they master it.

However, I think it is still valuable for you to be aware of how you can play with your baby in a way that will encourage continued development of skills. And there are plenty of ways you can support their learning process while respecting their natural developmental progression.

You can help your baby lay a strong foundation by...

Prioritize time on the floor. This gives a baby the freedom to explore their own movements, organize them, figure out where their hands and feet are, roll to their side, and master their rolling skills, which are hugely important for crawling later on.

Reducing use of baby gear or props, and create a "yes space instead. Gear and props interfere with a baby's natural process, and do not offer any developmental benefits. Instead, you could create a "yes" space, where your baby can do anything they want, nothing is off limits, and everything is okay. This requires some prep. For a young baby, a "yes" space may just be a blanket on the floor or a pack and play. For an older infant, it may be a gated off area or a completely baby proofed room with safe furniture.

Encouraging lots of play time on the belly when your baby is happy and comfortable there. This builds head, neck, and shoulder strength, develops the trunk muscles, and prepares the arms and hands for weight bearing. Ample time on the belly is essential for building the foundational skills and strength for crawling.

Encouraging play in other positions: on the back, and on the sides. We are 3 dimensional beings, and it is important for a baby to feel all sides of their body. This not only provides great proprioceptive feedback, but it also helps a baby activate different muscle groups while maintaining positioning in those different postures.

Providing opportunities for your baby to pivot and scoot around on their belly: As your baby shows readiness, position toys strategically to encourage your little one to reach for, pivot, or scoot toward them. Be sure to stay within their range of ease and structure success, and build from there. Treasure hunts are a perfect activity for this, hiding little toys under nesting cups, or putting toys inside a gym bag or random household container for baby to reach for, or scoot to, and explore.

Playing reaching games in sitting once your baby is able to get into sitting on their own. Offer toys from varying angles down low, from the sides, at chest level or higher, encouraging your baby to reach and lean a little bit, developing their balance center and postural stability, both of which are crucial to crawling. Or place toys just out of reach next to them to encourage them to shift weight and reach for it.

Playing on a couch cushion on the floor with knees on the floor and arms and toys on the cushion, to elevate the surface of the hands and promote weight bearing through the knees.

Playing in front of a mirror. Visual feedback is so valuable as babies learn about their bodies! They may have no idea that they are actually looking at themselves, but mirrors can provide great motivation for a baby to scoot and crawl up to their reflection in order to say hello.

Rolling up a blanket and placing it under baby's belly when on hands and knees, while you support at their feet as needed. This will help take over some of the weight, and allow them to feel what it is like to push through their hands and knees and remain upright. This is not meant to teach them how to maintain their balance in this position, but rather to help baby get a feel for what it’s like on hands and knees without the belly on the ground. Here they can experiment with rocking and reaching.

Getting outside in nature! Go explore the garden and the grass. New sensory experiences help strengthen the motor system.

​I hope this is helpful and clears up some questions about crawling. If not, reach out to me on Instagram @steps2grow and we can connect there.
Until next time, air hugs!

You may also like:
Why We Should Stop "Teaching" Our Babies
5 Things You Don't Want On Your Baby Registry
Start With A Blanket On The Floor
How To Choose The Right Childcare For You and Baby
8 Effective Ways To Calm A Fussy Baby

]]><![CDATA[6 Developmentally Beneficial Things You Want On Your Baby Registry]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/6-developmentally-beneficial-things-you-want-on-your-baby-registry
Gosh, how do you choose what to put on your baby registry when there are so many options out there!? And so many great marketing teams convincing you that you need lots of gadgets for your baby! Well, here are 6 things you will definitely want handy when baby arrives, all of which offer developmental benefits and great learning opportunities for your new nine pound nugget.

1. Black and white picture cards

When a baby is born, their visual system is pretty primitive. Babies can only see a few inches in front of them, and are drawn to highly contrasting images in black and white. Books or picture cards will be a very useful and entertaining first toy, propping them up for baby to look at, or use to encourage visual tracking. 

2. Baby Mirror

Mirrors are so great for visual feedback, and for babies to learn about themselves. You can put one in the crib for baby to self-entertain, or use to help facilitate play on the belly. Babies mesmerize themselves!

3. Mobile

A simple mobile with black and white contrast images hanging down facing baby's eyes is the most stimulating and developmentally beneficial for baby. Sure, there are lots of cuter options out there, like felt animals, or mountains and trees. But those really don't offer much functional use for a newborn baby. Rather, they please adult aesthetics. From what I have seen on the market, this one is my favorite because it provides visual stimulation facing baby's eyes, and is appropriate for newborns who are highly attracted to contrasting images.

4. Foot rattles

Foot rattles are a fun way to add auditory sensory input to amplify all of the little swipes, jerks, and kicks that happen early on, bringing baby's awareness to their movements and increasing their sense of self and body awareness. 

5. Textured books and balls

Stimulating baby's sense of touch is so important for learning! A good set of textured balls that can be played with and safely brought to the mouth are a great way to get tactile and oral motor input. Sensory books are also great to use for feeling, pointing, learning to turn pages, etc.

6. Play yard

Forego the floor seats, activity centers, bouncers, and door jumpers. The most important thing for baby's development is self-initiated movement on the floor. But sometimes we just can't provide that because it isn't safe. A good ol' play yard like this or this is your solution! It will provide a safe wiggle space for baby to move freely and explore, but also allow you to remove all safety concerns and have peace of mind while baby plays inside. Just add some safe toys, and you're set! Total win-win, right? Definitely put this on your list, unless you plan to baby proof your entire house ceiling to wood floor, hourly.

Wondering what you DO NOT need on your baby registry? Be sure to check out THIS LIST.

Also, if you're interested in taking the guesswork out of baby development and optimizing your baby's brain health using gentle parenting practices, checkout MINDFUL Steps To Motor Milestones, my comprehensive guide to building the foundation your baby will want for life.
Until next time, air hugs!
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You may also like:
5 Things Every New Mom Needs To Know
5 Things You Don't Want On Your Baby Registry
Start With A Blanket On The Floor
How To Choose The Right Childcare For You and Baby
8 Effective Ways To Calm A Fussy Baby


**This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase one of my recommended items, I earn a very small commission. But please know that I only recommend items that I have personally used, or would personally use.
]]><![CDATA[5 Things You Don't Need On Your Baby Registry]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/5-things-you-dont-need-on-your-baby-registry
It is so hard to know what you need in preparation for baby, what gear is the most beneficial for baby, and, on the other hand, what is just a really well marketed product? Especially if this is baby #1. There is a huge industry that takes advantage of new moms and moms-to-be wondering these things. But not you! Not this time! Because I am about to share with you 5 products you will now think twice about putting on your wish-list.
From the perspective of a movement expert and child development nerd...

5 things to consider not registering for or purchasing:

1. Floor seats like the Bumbo and Sit Me Up

I think there is a huge misconception when it comes to these seats: that they help a baby learn to sit. That's what marketing teams will try to convince you! But here's the thing about floor seats. They don't do that! A baby will not learn to sit by sitting in one of these chairs. They learn to sit by practicing all of the prerequisite skills on the floor without any interference. 

These seats also encourage really poor postural alignment. The bucket seat promotes a posterior pelvic tilt and resulting in a rounded "C" shape. This position is not a constructive position for being upright against gravity, especially over prolonged periods of time. A slouched position also makes it difficult for a baby to lift their head or activate their core for stability in sitting. This could cause a baby to fall out if they do not have the requisite strength and stability. That said, these chairs should actually not be used if a baby cannot sit independently. Slumping, slouching, and leaning while upright in a baby chair are big postural clues that baby needs a few more weeks or months before he/she is ready to use it.

​And if they can sit independently, then they probably don't need a chair on the floor anyway. I would pass on these.

​If you feel like you want one, the best option out there is the Up Seat. It does not have a bucket seat that promotes poor spinal alignment. This seat is designed to facilitate better positioning of the pelvis and engage the muscles responsible for proper upright posture.

If you decide to use a floor seat, I would limit use to 15 minutes at a time no more than twice a day, especially if other gear is being used.

2. Baby carriers that encourage improper positioning

The way you wear your baby can impact hip health, for better and for worse. It is important to pick out a carrier that offers a wide seat for support, positioning the knees above the hips forming an "M" or "frog" position of the legs. This puts less pressure on the hip joints and protects them from hip dysplasia. Carriers that encourage a baby's legs to get pushed together and just hang with gravity can increase the risk for hip dysplasia. It is best to keep your baby facing you for as long as possible, at least until they are a steady sitter (6-8 months), to further reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.

I recommend this carrier.

3. Cosleepers

I get it. Dock A Tots are magical little cushions that come in all sorts of adorable trendy prints. BUT, the downsides outweigh the benefits in my opinion. DockATots are marketed as cosleepers, but according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, only things labeled as "crib, bassinet, and play-yard" are considered a safe sleep environment. Therefore, I would not recommend using this for napping or cosleeping. This is mostly because they restrict a baby's ability to reposition themselves, limiting their freedom of movement and reducing opportunity for exploration. Believe it or not, a lot of learning can happen in the crib or bassinet during sleep! During awake times, I am also hesitant to support use of loungers because they restrict full movement of the head, muffle sounds, limit the field of vision, and restrict gross motor movement. 

4. Bouncy seats

These types of seats are not necessary, and really only serve as a convenience for mom and dad. Which, you will want. Like, where do you put baby who can't sit yet if you want to go to the bathroom in peace, or take a shower, or stir the boiling pot on the stove? There are better options than a  bouncy seat. In my flagship course MINDFUL Steps to Motor Milestones, we go over lots of better options for containing a baby without using a container.

​The biggest problem with baby bouncers is they contain a baby in one position, restrict movement, muffle sound, limit peripheral vision, and support the head in one position that can increase the risk of developing or worsening flat spots. They mimic the same semi-reclined position that a baby will be in while in the car seat, and it is just too easy to lose track of how much time baby spends in gear like this. If possible, I just wouldn't even tempt yourself with the option because they serve no developmental benefit.

5. Activity centers, exersaucers, and walkers

If any of these are on your registry, you sure are thinking ahead a number of months! Way to go! However, let's clear up a few things. These devices do not help babies learn to stand, they do not help babies learn to walk, they really do not help babies do anything (except for maybe smile because they are fun). If anything, they give a baby a false sense of what standing is. They serve no purpose for your baby's sensory motor growth.

Additionally, it is incredibly hard to get proper leg and foot alignment in devices like this, and often encourage a baby to jump or stand on their tip toes. That can impact calf muscle tone and puts unnecessary pressure on delicate hip joints, especially if used too soon. 

I actually have to warn you about walkers. They are very unsafe, and have been banned in many countries. They also do not promote a natural pattern of walking.

For more thorough information on baby gear products (the pros, cons, and safe-use tips) and a gentle parenting guide to supporting your baby's motor development in the first year, check out my MINDFUL Steps course for new moms.

You may also like:
​Supporting Baby Milestones Through Play - a free mini course
​Baby Brain Builders - a free mini course

Until next time, air hugs!
Picture

You may also like:

5 Things Every New Mom Needs To Know
​Why We Should Stop "Teaching" Our Babies
Start With A Blanket On The Floor
How To Choose The Right Childcare For You and Baby
8 Effective Ways To Calm A Fussy Baby

]]><![CDATA[20 Simple And Fun Core Strengthening Activities For Toddlers And Preschoolers]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:57:12 GMThttps://www.steps2grow.com/blog/20-simple-and-fun-core-strengthening-activities-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers
Have you ever heard the term postural stability? It is a fancy developmental term that isn't really talked about, until it becomes a problem. Postural stability is a child's ability to maintain an erect upright posture without fatiguing, which requires core strength! And having adequate core strength and postural stability is crucial for development to stay on track. Let's chat why core strength is important, signs your child may have poor postural stability, and activities you can do to boost stamina and strength.

So, why is core strength so important for development?

Well, here are a few reasons:

1. Core strength supports fine motor and gross motor skill development. If we are not secure and stable in the center of our bodies, movement away from center becomes much more difficult.

2. It helps a child maintain balance in static positions like sitting, standing, and kneeling. This allows for various positioning during play activities.

3. Core strength supports organized dynamic movement. Any time we move dynamically in space, we need our core to stabilize us and keep us centered and balanced.

4. Core strength helps kids regulate their emotions. If kids do not feel centered or "at home" to themselves, regulating emotions becomes challenging.

5. It provides a stable base for the head and visual system. We rely on vision and the position of our head for so many functions in life. Having a stable base supports those structures.

How do you know if your child has low core strength? Here are some common signs:

1. Child slouches and has poor sitting posture

2. Child frequently leans on furniture or tables for support when sitting or standing

3. Child is frequently "on the go" 

4. Child is showing gross motor and find motor challenges

5. Child has difficulty with balance

6. Child's preferred sitting position on the floor is w-sitting

There are lots of simple activities that can help boost your child's core strength, whether it is weak or strong!

Here are 20 ideas for your toddler or preschooler:

1. Do a puzzle while laying on the belly

2. Belly bowling using rolling pin to hit ball toward block towers or plastic water bottles filled with water

3. Erase letters and shapes from the window

4. Help load wet clothes into the dryer

5. Build towers with canned food

6. Pile pillows and cushions on the floor, crawl over them

7. Build an obstacle course or a fort

8. Scoop and pour water, sand, beans, rice

9. Toss wet sponges at a fence

10. Finger paint at an easel

11. Do animal walks around the house

12. Build giant towers with cardboard boxes

13. Play catch with a pillow

14. Do yoga

15. Load a laundry basket with toys and pull or push it

16. Sit on a therapy ball or peanut ball

17. Play with a balloon in tall kneel

18. Fold/roll a towel lengthwise to create a balance beam and walk/sidestep/tip toe across

19. Play catch with a beach ball

20. Wash the windows or wipe down the table

​Grab my extensive activity lists for 2 year olds HERE, 3 year olds HERE, and 4 year olds HERE.

Hope this was a valuable read for you.

​Until next time, air hugs!

You may also like:
20+ Brain Boosting Play Activities For Toddlers
30 Ways To Use Household Items For Play
10 Ways To Teach Impulse Control
5 Belly Breath Exercises For Kids
30+ Indoor Heavy Work Activities For Kids
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