Babies are the best little learners. Finding new ways to play and explore the world around them. They often understand much more than they can show or say. Speech develops later because babies have not yet developed the finite muscles to produce sounds. However, that doesn’t mean your baby can’t learn to communicate. It is a perfect time to teach them sign language known as “baby sign”.
5 Ways Baby sign can help you and your baby:
Fosters language development: Signing helps develop and encourages verbal language development. A child is thought to need to hear (or see!) a word +1000 times before they learn to use that word.
Multisensory: Babies explore with their entire bodies. Signing provides a visual model, along with your verbal model, for even better learning.
Decrease frustrations: Provides babies a way to show you what they want before they can say it and helps you meet your child’s needs.
It’s fun: Your baby loves everything you do!! What a great way to show them how to communicate and play with them. Add silly faces and watch your baby’s enjoyment!!
Increases interaction: Including sign into your daily communication with baby will aid in parent and child bonding as you learn together how a baby sign can add to your relationship.
If you are interested in learning more about baby signs and how it can help your baby learn language, please tune into our baby sign class online, or call for a free consultation!!
Do your kids have the Winter Blues? Once the cold weather hits, it’s easy to make excuses for missing opportunities to get out and play outdoors. But, soon we notice our kiddos in a rut: feeling moodier, not sleeping well, disengaging, increased screen time, etc. However, research shows that physical activity can actually turn these frowns upside down!
WHY IS IT GOOD TO MOVE ANYWAY?!
Self-esteem
Communication
Balance
Muscle strength
Coordination
Endurance
Memory
Problem solving
Emotional regulation
Here are some suggestions to beat the winter blues and get up and move!
Don’t let your kiddos succumb to the winter blues! Try out these awesome indoor and outdoor activities! If you feel like your kiddo still can’t beat the blues and might need some help from a therapist, please set up a free screening at BDI Playhouse!
What is Plagiocephaly (pronounced play-jee-oh-sef-uh-lee)?
Sometimes infants are born with or develop plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, a flat spot on the back or backside of their heads that is noticeable and may raise questions or be a cause of concern.
Understandably, you may ask:
Will my baby’s head shape stay like this?
Is there anything I can do to prevent or fix this?
Will this affect my baby’s brain growth or development?
In the early 90’s the American Academy of Pediatrics advised parents to put babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. This increased the time spent with increased pressure on the baby’s head from the surfaces they rested on. This also increased the incidence of plagiocephaly (a.k.a. “flat head syndrome”). In addition, there are dozens of baby positioning “containers” such as infant car seats, swings, and bouncy chairs that keep babies resting for longer periods on the back of their heads. Flat spots can make it challenging for babies to keep their heads in midline and they can develop a preference to turn or face toward a particular side. These babies may be resistant to or even refuse tummy time because lifting their little heads up against gravity can seem difficult and stressful. Although this will not typically cause problems with brain development, babies that have a flat spot may experience movement preferences to one side, may not latch on for nursing as well as expected, will experience reflux or digestive issues, and may be extra fussy, colicky or more difficult to calm.
How can I tell if my baby has a flat spot?
No two babies have the same head shape but asymmetries or flat spots are usually easy to detect if you know what to look for. Most areas will round or even out as a baby moves her head side to side, up and down, and begins to roll over in the first few months. Take a look at the baby’s head in several positions. If Baby has a lot of hair it is good to do this while the hair is wet, such as after a bath.
Look at your baby “face to face.” Are both eyes the same size or is one wider or narrower than the other? Is one cheek puffier than the other? Does the back of his head appear unusually wide or does the head slant sharply upward from his forehead to the back of the head? Do you notice that one ear is higher or in front of the ear on the other side?
Look at the baby’s head shape from behind while supporting him in sitting. This is often the first place a flat spot is detected. Are the ears level? Does the head tilt to one side? Is the top of the head very wide compared to the area just above the neck?
Now, look at the baby’s head from the top. Is one side of the forehead more forward than the other? Can you see one cheek puffing out more than the other? Is one ear significantly positioned in front of the other?
Finally, look at the baby’s head from the side. Is there a slope from the forehead that rises to a point in the back?
Notice if your baby’s head is moving freely with his body or is the head “planted” on the surface? Is he beginning to lift his shoulders and arms off of the surface and is the baby beginning to bring hands or toys to his mouth? Does the baby constantly only put one hand in his mouth or does he turn his head to mouth a toy instead of bringing the toy toward his middle. When Baby is on his belly, can he lift his head easily up in the middle or does he usually turn it fully to one side or the other to lift it up. These are all signs that there may indicate a muscle imbalance or be present as a result of the flat spot on a baby’s head. While none of these seem particularly alarming, they can keep your baby from developing movement and visual motor patterns that will advance him more naturally toward rolling, crawling, walking and gross motor play.
What Can I do if I notice a flat spot?
Provide lots of opportunities for Tummy time.
Limit time in baby carriers, car seats, bouncers, swings, and containers
Carry baby when you can but change positions often to keep hips healthy
Alternate the ends of the crib for sleeping so baby will face stimulating sights or light during waking times
Provide visual stimulation in front of the baby that moves side to side
Consult your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist if a flat spot persists for more than a few weeks. A baby’s head shape can change quickly from birth to 6 months.
What if the flat spot won’t go away?
If your baby’s head is held unusually still, he has a distinct head-side or position preference, he is having difficulty nursing, bottle feeding is stressful, or he is resisting positions like tummy time contact your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist who specializes in treating infants. It is best not to take a “wait and see” approach because most of a baby’s head growth happens between birth and 6-8 months and this is the best time to make big changes in head shape and mobility. Most consultations are free and professionals can offer advice and solutions that can help you and your baby.
BDI Playhouse Children’s Therapy offers free screenings and consultations through Telehealth or at one of our child-friendly therapy gyms in Orland Park and Aurora, IL
Written by Sheri Ireland-Berk, PT Physical Therapist
What should you do if your child cries at drop-off? Dropping your child off at preschool, daycare or a babysitter can be a time of anxiety for both parent and child but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some do’s and don’ts of dropping off your teary-eyed child.
DO
Do Leave!
This is huge! If your child cries at drop-off, the longer you linger and extend that goodbye the harder it is for your child to adjust to drop off. This makes your child think they may not have to stay or you will stay with him or her. As a former preschool teacher, one of the most effective ways to leave is to have a short goodbye ritual, for example, “one hug, one kiss, I love you! Then, mom, you’re out the door. “But my child is clinging to me for dear life or chasing after me, what should I do?” You can let your child’s teacher know you may need some help with separation. Preschool teachers are very creative and can usually find a way to redirect or help your child make a smooth transition.
Do Tell them they will get to do fun things in school and say it with a smile.
Your child wants to feel safe in his/her preschool environment so your expression will help him/her realize it’s going to be GREAT and they will be safe and have fun!
Do Acknowledge your child’s tears.
Tell your child you understand they are feeling sad but reassure them they are going to have fun, play with friends, make cool stuff and you will see them after school to hear all about it. Your child wants to know you think he/she is in a safe place and you care about his/her feelings and how he/she is feeling at that moment.
DO NOT
Do Not Show fear or sadness when you are dropping off your child.
If you look scared or sad, your child will be scared and sad and will continue to have a difficult time adjusting. We want our kiddos to feel safe at school so slap that smile on your face and show your excitement for them!
Do Not Sneak out when they are not looking.
This can be scary for your child. Always make sure you tell your child, “I have to go now but I will be back to pick you up after school.” Always say goodbye to your child and let them know who will be back to pick them up at the end of the day.
Do Not Become frustrated with your child’s crying.
It can be scary leaving a parent. Your child’s fear of abandonment is real and he/she needs to know you understand his/her feelings. Acknowledge their feelings, reassure them, and leave.
Remember to give your child time to adjust to this new routine. They may cry for a couple of days or a couple of weeks. Hang in there and stay consistent with the do’s and don’ts. It can be hard for a parent to walk away when their child is crying. But, if you make those goodbyes short and sweet you will be picking up a child that is happy to see you and excited to tell you all about their day.
If your child continues to have difficulty during drop off please contact BDI Playhouse Children’s Therapy for a free consultation. You are not alone and we can help!
Every parent who has a child who loves their pacifier dreads the day when it’s time to start pacifier weaning. Here are 8 ideas to help you navigate this big transition!
1. Prepare your child for the eventuality that pacifiers are not forever.
2. Replace the pacifier with a more appropriate means for oral stimulation.
The act of sucking is very calming and soothing for babies. This need for your child to calm with oral stimulation can carry over into the toddler and childhood years. You may want to consider replacing pacifier use with another appropriate mouth behavior. Taking sips of water, chewing on a Chewy tubes, biting a Chewing necklace , using the Z-grabber, or chewing on a z-vibe are great alternatives. In her book, “Nobody ever to me (or my mother) that!” infant feeding expert Diane Bahr recommends gently offering the replacement item whenever your child asks for the pacifier. Focus on giving your child attention and praise when they are using an appropriate replacement item in place of the pacifier.
3. Consider a visit from the pacifier fairy.
In this strategy, the pacifier “fairy” visits at night time when your child is asleep. The “fairy” collects all of the pacifiers in the house and gives them to little babies who need them. As a thank you, the pacifier “fairy” will leave a present. This gift will be a new transitional item to provide calm and comfort as they work through pacifier weaning.
4. Change the feel of the pacifier.
Using this method, parents change the shape or structure of the pacifier so that it no longer works the way the child is used to. This is achieved by cutting a hole in the pacifier so the child is no longer able to suck on the pacifier very efficiently. You can progressively cut a larger hole, or cut the tip off the pacifier all at one time. It is important to make sure the pacifier does not have any pieces that can come off into the child’s mouth or be bitten off which might become a choking hazard. Parents also want to make sure the pacifier is not getting dirty as it will be easier to collect particles in the open nipple. More often than not a child will notice the difference right away and will not want to use it anymore since it doesn’t work right.
5. Visit Build-a-bear
Visit Build-a-bear and talk to your child about how you are going to create a “pacifier bear”. Your child will be make a bear, and place the pacifier inside the bear so that the pacifier will be enclosed within the stuffed animal. Your child will always know that the pacifier is inside the bear and he/she will have created a new comfort item and a pleasant memory.
6. Have your child give the pacifier away
You and your child can talk about how since your child is a big kid now it’s very kind to give the pacifier away to babies who need them. You and your child decorate a bag or a box and gather all of the pacifiers in your home and place them in the container. Together you can present the box to a new baby who will need them. Encourage and praise your child all throughout the process for making a thoughtful, kind, and “big kid” decision.
7. Use a WubbaNub pacifier.
WubbaNub pacifier have a small animal attached to the end of them. Babies quickly learn to associate the stuffed animal with the comfort of the actual pacifier. When it’s time for your child to say goodbye to the pacifier you can cut the pacifier portion off and are then left with the stuffed animal portion. Your child will still be able to seek comfort from the stuffed animal that was attached to the pacifier long after the pacifier is gone.
8. Go cold turkey.
Sometimes after preparing our children for it we just need to take the pacifier away. The days following might be rough, but be loving, attentive, and consistent and the attachment to the pacifier should fade.
Pacifier weaning is a major life transition for our little ones. No matter what methods you choose to get rid of the paci remember your child will need extra soothing, quality time, attention, love, comfort, and consistency from his/her family to help him/her feel safe and secure during this time of change. If you are struggling with pacifier weaning or have concerns regarding feeding or speech development please follow the link to schedule a free screening at BDI Playhouse. BDI Playhouse Screening Registration
A letter to my well-meaning relatives around the holidays: Why my picky eater won’t eat your famous homemade cranberry sauce…
Dearest Relatives,
We love seeing you around the holidays! Family is so important to us, and we look so forward to the warmth of a festive home, the scents of dinner cooking in the oven, and the time interacting with our family to celebrate these special days.
This time of year can be hard for my child. The hustle/bustle of gift shopping at crowded stores filled with sparkly and scented shelves and swarms of people sets my little one on edge. Bright lights that decorate your house are a lot of visual input for small, tired eyes. Hugs and kisses from relatives is a squeezy experience all it’s own. My child spends the holiday season overwhelmed, and the family parties are no exception.
Then comes dinner time.
Days were spent preparing your famous cranberry sauce. You bought special cranberries, soaked them, washed them, mashed them. I’m sure you bought a unique ingredient at the ONE special store that carries it, and you got it JUST before it went out of stock. There was mixing and cooking and chilling. The beautiful treat was placed in the perfect serving dish so your entire family would be able to enjoy your masterpiece.
BUT…
At dinner, my child has trouble sitting politely at the table. After keeping it (mostly) together during the appetizer/pre-dinner activities, my child is quite jazzed. His system has a hard time processing all of the aspects of the evening that have lead up to the main event that is dinner. Asking them now to sit nicely in their chair next to their siblings/cousins/relatives is a feat meant for champions alone. And then they are faced with a gorgeous plate full of “delicious” food, including your precious cranberry sauce, and fear strikes his heart. And mine.
**Please don’t make a scene, please behave, please let us get through this meal without an upset**
All my pleading cannot account for the fact that this food is my child’s demon, his largest aversion, his highest obstacle, his “Everest.” Maybe he is not ready to face it today, even if (especially if) it is a holiday. Maybe he will gracefully leave your cranberry sauce on his plate and eat around it, maybe he will run and hide under the table in the other room.
My child has difficulty feeling the cranberry sauce in his mouth and is fearful to put it between those teeth for fear of choking or losing it in his back cheeks. Sometimes my child is unable to coordinate his tongue in order to move those berries around in his mouth to properly chew or swallow that goop. It could also be that the texture of wet, mushy berries surrounded in unidentifiable glop is far too intimidating to place in his mouth and swallow. It’s also very possible that the scent of the sweet dish is off-putting to an ultra-sensitive nose. Perhaps the way your cranberry sauce jiggles is overly exciting for the eyes, or too closely resembles another feared food item. It could even be that today is Thursday, and we only eat yellow foods on Thursdays.
Whatever the reason, please don’t take offense!
Please don’t offer more, or comment on my child’s lack of enjoyment of your prized dish.
I’m begging, please, please, please, don’t suggest my child eat these berries or ask him to “just try a bite”.
I would also love it if you did not snort judgment as I heat up the chicken nuggets in the microwave.
Let me help you understand what you are asking before you ask it. Be mindful of what this holiday and that cranberry sauce means to me and my child.
We love you, and one day we may also happily indulge in your cranberry sauce. Today may not be that day, but we are working towards that! First, we must master looking at new foods, smelling them, touching them, licking them, biting them, swallowing them, and smiling with joy at the taste. When that is accomplished, we hope that our dear child will eat every bite of your famous cranberry sauce, so we can all rejoice!
Until then, enjoy my child’s giggles, curiosity, love for all things bouncing/rolling, and for you (cranberry sauce not included)!
Happy Holidays,
Mother of a child with a zest for life, a goofy smile, a whit faster than light, and feeding difficulties
Written by: Margaret Lord OTR/L
If your child is a picky eater and mealtime is creating a challenge in your home, contact us for a free consultation. You are not alone and we can help!
You have Questions. We have Answers.
Schedule a consultation by phone or at our Naperville – Aurora or Orland Park clinic here:
That glorious moment when your baby is mobile, crawling around your house at hyper-speed is both joyous and terrifying. Time to baby-proof your house! Do babies really need to crawl? Crawling is essential for your baby’s development. The coordination and strength that are attained while your baby is exploring the world through crawling is irreplaceable, and sets them on the path to success!
This side/that side: Crawling requires the perfect unison of arms moving in alternation. This skill is important for future coordination of hand movements for play with toys, walking/running, climbing and pulling, home skills like taking off the toothpaste cap or opening containers, and academic skills like cutting!
Getting ahold of it: Putting weight through our hands forms the arches in the palms of our hands. These arches allow for our hands to grasp items of various sizes and shapes, and allow for our fingers to move in coordination with the objects we hold. We need these arches to play with baby blocks and balls, grab a paper cup without smashing it, and use our thumb to pinch thin objects within our fingers.
Show me your muscles: Bodyweight through our arms develops the muscles in our shoulders and arms. The shifting of a crawling movement helps strengthen these muscles and allow for stability at our shoulder, which we need for later fine motor manipulation tasks like completing buttons, writing/coloring and lifting heavy items.
Tummy time upgrade: The crawl position tilts our body horizontal with the ground, requiring that our head work against gravity to look around. This strength and control in our neck is used for balance and stability for the rest of our life!
Look at it this way: As baby crawls around, they can look at the floor, up at you, and back at the floor. This is an extremely important motor pattern for the development of eye movements. Looking at something near the eyes, then turning focus to something farther away requires our eyes to work together to focus and adjust eye position quickly. Your baby will use this important skill later for play activities like catching and throwing, learning tasks in the classroom, and even driving!
So, do babies need to crawl? If your baby has skipped the crawling phase, they may be missing out on the development of some of these fundamental skills. BDI Playhouse Children’s Therapy offers free screenings to give you the tools to help your baby “crawl” their way to a strong and play-filled life!
Is it necessary for children to sit still to attend in circle time? Let’s talk about creative seating in the classroom. As adults, we make sure to “get comfortable” before focusing on things we want or have to do, whether it’s paying bills at the table or watching T.V. on the couch. We do it automatically – we shift our weight or add a pillow under our legs without even thinking about it! When your seating arrangement is comfortable, you are able to give your full attention to the task at hand without having to think twice about how your body is positioned. Like adults, kids need to be comfortable and “situated” in order to focus, especially in school. Sometimes, finding comfortable and focus-inducing seating for the classroom requires creativity and flexibility!
“Sitting Smart”- Benefits of flexible seating options:
Movement Opportunities: Moving your body helps increase blood flow to the brain, which improves focus and attention & reduces stress. Movement options while sitting in the classroom can involve small, minor movements/wiggles or large bounces/shifts to facilitate organized engagement in those wiggles and promoting increased focus.
Something for Everyone: Providing a variety of seating options encourages kids to explore and figure out what helps them learn best – we are all different! Allow a child to select what helps them most provides a sense of ownership and self-awareness that will allow for increased engagement in their task, their way!
Motivation: Having fun seating options is a way to motivate kids to want to come to school and learn. Increasing the intrigue with novel seating arrangements improves a child’s willingness to approach a seated task that might otherwise be “boring” or “too hard”.
Here are some seating options to help kids improve focus and participation while seated in the classroom:
If these seating options aren’t providing everything your kids need to be successful, BDI Playhouse Children’s Therapy offers free screenings to give your child the necessary tools to improve participation and function at home and in school.
