since 1985, pathways.org has promoted the best physical ... · 2009: associated rise in positional...

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is a 501 (c)(3) Not-For-Profit

Since 1985, Pathways.org has promoted the best physical, sensory, and speech

development for all babies.

Overview/Outline

•About Pathways.org

•Importance of Tummy Time

•Consequences due to Lack of Tummy Time

•Tummy Time Tips

•Importance of Facebook Contests

•Creating Facebook Ads

•Facebook Tips

•References

National 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Educational Foundation

Established in 1985

Pathways Medical Round Table Members consisting of leading physicians, clinicians, and lay

advisors provide strategic and supportive direction.

Some Activities Include Website: All materials are FREE to download and copyToll-Free Parent Hotline 800-955-CHILD

20+ parent friendly videos

Assure Baby’s Physical Development brochure Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Pathways Corresponding Handouts:

•Meet Pathways Medical Round Table

•About Pathways.org

•Assure Baby’s Physical Development

About Pathways

2


Tummy Time

Pathways.org Tummy Time contest winners

Why is Tummy Time

Important?

•Develops core strength needed for motor development

•American Academy of Pediatrics states that infants at three

months of age should: •Raise head and chest when lying on stomach •Support upper body with arms when lying on stomach

• In the last 25 years, the number of children with a motor delay

has increased from 1 in 100 births to 1 in 40 births.

• It is estimated that as many as 400,000 children are at-risk for early motor delays according to members of the American

Academy of Pediatrics - Council on Children with Disabilities

Early Motor Delays

Garner, Girolami, Sarwark, Walsh, (2009). "Recognizing Early Motor Delays", Hot Topics. American Academy of Pediatrics in association with Pathways.org

Examples of early motor delays and low core strength:

• Poor head & neck control

• Muscle stiffness

• Slumped or asymmetrical posture

• Delayed hand-to-mouth

• Clumsiness

Possible reasons for increase in early motor delays:

• Multiple births

• Premature births

• Survival rate of children with cardiac,

neurological, and genetic disorders

• Post-birth positioning

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Tummy Time Improves Head Control by Strengthening

Core, Neck, Back, and Shoulder Muscles Needed for the

Next Stages of Development

3 months of age

Atypical Head Control Typical Head Control

Make Tummy Time part of baby’s daily routine from day one, it can prevent baby from complaining later when put on his/her tummy.

Positional TorticollisTorticollis is when one of the muscles in the neck is shortened or

constricted, causing the head to predominately turn to one side

Pathways Corresponding Handouts:

• Torticollis and the Importance of Tummy Time: Meet Jonathan

Tummy Time, repositioning baby in crib, and limiting time spent in carriers,

bouncy seats, etc. helps reduce the possibility of positional torticollis.

Positional PlagiocephalyPositional plagiocephaly is a condition in which the back or one

side of an infant's head is flattened.

Helmets/DOC Bands may be used to

reshape the head.

Helmets/DOC Bands

are costly and not

covered by most

insurance companies.

Tummy Time and repositioning baby are two easy preventative measures that can help reduce the chance he/she will develop positional plagiocephaly

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Reasons for

Pathways.org Campaign

2008: National Survey of 400+ Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists, Averaging 20 Years Experience Indicates Increase in

Infant Motor Delays; More Tummy Time is Key 2

• 77% of therapists surveyed believe an increase time spent on backs, and in different types of baby carriers, bouncy seats, swings, etc. led to early motor

delays

• 70% of therapists surveyed noted most parents have little or no understanding of Tummy Time

2009: Associated Rise in Positional Plagiocephaly since 1994 3

• Article indicates the incidence of positional plagiocephaly has increased

from 1 in 300 babies to 1 in 60 babies, a 455% increase

Early childhood, healthcare professionals, and parents must be educated on the importance of tummy time and taught how to incorporate it into baby’s daily activities

Pathways.org Tummy Time

Resources - FREE

Tummy Time Video

Pathways Corresponding Handout:

•Essential Tummy Time Moves

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Make Tummy Time Fun

Pathways Corresponding Handout:

•Sleep Chart

•Baby’s First Workout

• Sing songs during Tummy Time

• After bath dry baby on tummy

• Use a mirror so baby can watch himself

• After diaper changes, place baby on tummy

for a minute or two

• Soothe baby on your lap

• Lay baby on your chest

• Get down to baby’s eye-level

Ways to make Tummy Time more enjoyable:

Don’t get discouraged, your baby will learn to enjoy tummy time. Every bit of tummy time makes a difference!

The Importance of Facebook Contests

Reaching New and Expectant

Mothers on Facebook

Overview/Outline

•Why Pathways.org did a Facebook Contest

•Why Do a Facebook Contest

•How to Set-Up Facebook Contest Using Wildfire

•How to Use Facebook Ads Effectively

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Why Do a Facebook Contest

New Facebook Page Likes

Pathways.org increased

fans by over 500%

By increasing the amount of fans of your page, you are drawing people to your page therefore spreading knowledge about your organization.

Every person who likes your page receives all your posts.

Setting Up a Contest

•Goal of contest

•Develop your product

•How to reach your audience

Pathways.org Tummy Time contest winners

Goals of Contest

Develop Your Goals to be Audience Specific:Who are you trying to reach?

Examples:

• New moms• Expectant moms

• Grandparents

What do you want from your audience?

Examples:

• Pass on knowledge of importance of Tummy Time• Share pictures of babies doing Tummy Time

• Be able to use those photographs for our

educational materials

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Develop Your Product

•Necessities:•Facebook page

•Budget

•Goals

•Legal concerns:•Privacy Policy

•Disclaimer

•Next Steps:•Create rules

•Timeline•Decide on prizes

•Create Wildfire account

How to Reach Your

Target Audience Once you define your audience, it will be easier to decide the best approach:

• Do you want to run ads? • Targeting specific interests of your market

• Do you want to use social media?• Spreading the word by using Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

• Do you want to use traditional media?

• Getting coverage with newspapers, tv, radio, etc.

How will you draw your audience in?

• Incentives• Prizes

• Sharing photos with friends and family

Knowing your audience makes it easier to market your product.

You will need to use an outside application, we recommend Wildfire: www.wildfireapp.com

Create an account with Wildfire and begin following directions to set-up your contest.

Creating Your Facebook Contest

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Once logged in, click

on the promotions tab then select “Create a

Campaign”


Click the

“Photo/Design Contest” icon and

follow the steps to enter all pertinent

information


Follow steps 1-6 to

complete setting up your campaign

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Pathways purchases the standard edition; however

you should chose whichever edition suits your needs.

Linking Your Contest to Your

Facebook Page

6-step process

Guidelines can be found at:http://help.wildfireapp.com/entries/384254-how-to-connect-your-contest-to-your-facebook-fan-page

Reaching Your Audience

with Facebook Ads

• Effective way to increase the amount of traffic directed to your Facebook page

• Increase the amount of people

who enter your contest

• Ads run along the right side of Facebook in the ad column

• You decide on a budget – pay per click• Bid Range .75 to $2 per click

• Can cap dollar amount

Facebook ads can work for you by planning appropriately

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Reaching Your Audience

with Facebook Ads

•Every Facebook page has an administrator who oversees the

daily activities

•You must be an administrator of the Facebook page you wish to

promote

•The current admin of your Facebook page can invite you to

be admin

Creating an Effective Ad

In 125 words you must make your ad:

•Eye-catching

•Simple

•Colorful

•Easy to understand

•Direct

•Engaging

Tip: Try running a couple different ads to determine which is most effective.

Creating an Effective Ad

While creating your ad, you will have the option to select either “broad category” or “precise interests” category.

More advantageous to use precise interests and important to target individuals who like products, television shows,

movies, organizations, etc. similar to our work.

Know your target audience and where they look for information

11


Example of Precise Interests

•Grandmothering

•Motherhood

•Motherhood maternity

•Todays motherhood

•Dora the explorer

•Macy’s

•Pampers

•Toys r us

•Babies r us

Thank you!

Please visit our website

Pathways.org

for more information on

Tummy Time

References

1Statistics compiled by the Pathways Awareness Medical Round Table from a variety of sources, including the

March of Dimes, Pediatrics Annual Summary of Vital Statistics, and the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention

2American Physical Therapy Association. (2008) Lack of time on tummy shown to hinder achievement of

developmental milestones, say physical therapists. News Release. August 6, 2008.

3Kennedy E, Majnemer A, Farmer JP, et al. (2009) Motor development of infants with positional plagiocephaly. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics 29(3): 222-35.

Shonkoff JP, Phillips DA, eds. 2000. From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood

Development. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Wallace T. (nd) The case for tummy time. Retrieved December 2010 from

http://firststepstoday.com/uploadfiles/ResourceFiles/TummyTime.pdf

Piu T, Eldridge B, Galea MP. (2007) A review of the effects of sleep position, play position and equipment use of motor development of infants. Development Medicine and Child Neurology, 49: 858-867.

Garner, Girolami, Sarwark, Walsh, (2009). "Recognizing Early Motor Delays", Hot Topics. American Academy

of Pediatrics in association with Pathways.org.

Pathways.org activities are based upon the expertise of the Pathways Medical Round Table –leading physicians, therapists, clinicians, nurse practitioners, and lay advisors.

They are sensitive to the medical and emotional needs of infants and children with early motor delays and their families and caregivers

Co-Chairs

Members

Garry Gardner, MD, FAAPDuPage Pediatrics Professor Clinical Pediatrics,Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

AssociationsPast President, Illinois Chapter, American Academy of PediatricsCo-Chairman, Medical Advisory Board, Easter Seals DuPageIllinois Maternal and Child Health CoalitionPediatric News, Editorial BoardChair, American Academy of Pediatrics Committeeon Injury Violence and Poison Prevention

John F. Sarwark, MD, FAAPMartha Washington Professor of Orthopedic Surgery;Head, Division of Pediatric of Orthopedic Surgery,Children’s Memorial Hospital

Professor of Orthopedic Surgery,Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

AssociationsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, Orthopedic Specialty SectionAmerican Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental MedicineAmerican Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

Amy Becker Manion, PhD, RN, C.P.N.P. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a specializationin primary care pediatrics at NorthwesternChildren’s Practice Assistant Professor at Rush University,College of Nursing at Rush University

AssociationsNational Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children

Nina Aliprandi, MA Parent LiaisonDirector of Program Services at Maryville Academy,Crisis Nursery, Children’s Healthcare Center, andthe Madden Center

AssociationsState Leader, Child Welfare League of AmericaConsortium for Children with Medically Complex Needs,Children’s Memorial Hospital

Council of Accredidation-Peer Reviewer

Terri Gartenberg, PhD, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist and Owner, Speech in the CityAdjunct Professor of Communication Science and Disorders,The Graduate School, Northwestern UniversityInstructor, NDTA

AssociationsNeuro-Developmental Treatment Association

Diane Fritts Ryan, OTR/L, C/NDT Occupational Therapist, Easter Seals DuPageand the Fox Valley RegionInstructor, OT Portion of NDT/Pediatrics Certification

AssociationsNeuro-Developmental Treatment Association

Deborah Gaebler-Spira, MD, FAAP, FAACPDMProfessor of Pediatrics andPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation,Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicinePhysician, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC)

AssociationsAmerican Academy of PediatricsPast President, American Academy for Cerebral Palsyand Developmental MedicineAmerican Academy of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationMedical Director, Early Intervention Program,Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Meet Our Medical Round Table

Effectively Using Social Mediato Teach the Importance of Tummy Time

Pathways.org is a 501 (c)(3) Not-For-Profit Public Foundationwww.Pathways.org www.facebook.com/Pathways.org (800)955-CHILD (2445)

COPY FREELY, DO NOT CHANGE, MUST ACKNOWLEDGE PATHWAYS.ORG.

Meet Our Medical Round Table Members Cont.

Clare G. Giuffrida, OTR/L, MS, PhD, C/NDT, FAOTADirector of Occupational Therapy Department,Rush University Medical CenterChair and Associate Professor Occupational TherapyProgram at Rush University Instructor for the Certificate Program in Sensory Integration

Associations American Occupational Therapy AssociationAmerican Congress of Rehabilitation MedicineNeurodevelopmental Therapy AssociationNorth American Society for Psychological and Physical Activity Pediatric Therapy Research Network

Russell Robertson, MD Vice President of Medical Affairs and Dean Chicago Medical School Rosalind Franklin Universityof medicine and Science

AssociationsChair: Council on Graduate Medical Education

Lori Walsh, MD Pediatrician and Managing Partner, Glenbrook PediatricsAttending Physicians, Children’s Memorial Hospital,Evanston Hospital, and Lutheran General HospitalInstructor, Clinical Department of Pediatrics,Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

AssociationsChildren’s Community Physicians AssociationAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

Rosemary White-Traut, PhD, RN, FAAN Professor and Department Head of the Department of Women,Children and Family Health Science in the College of Nursingat University of Illinois, Chicago

AssociationsAmerican Academy of NursingExecutive Steering Committee March of Dimes


Michael Msall, MD, FAAPProfessor of Pediatrics Pritzker School of MedicineChief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatricsat the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital Co-Director Kennedy Research Center on Intellectualand Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Associations Member Treatments Outcome CommitteeAmerican Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine

Gay Girolami, PT, MS, PhD, C/NDTPresident Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association(NDTA)

AssociationsAmerican Physical Therapy AssociationNeuro-Developmental Treatment AssociationAmerican Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine

Karen R. Judy, MD, FAAPDirector of Newborn Nursery Loyola University Professor of Pediatrics Loyola University Stritch School of MedicineDirector of Pediatric Mobile Van

AssociationsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

Michael N. Nelson, PhD Director, Section of Pediatric Psychology,Rush Children’s HospitalAssociate Professor of Pediatrics andBehavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center

AssociationsPresident, Illinois Neonatal Developmental Follow-up Association

Effectively Using Social Media to Teach the Importance of Tummy Time

Introduction: Since1985, Pathways.org has used outcome-based research andmultimedia as tools to promote each child’s fullest inclusion. We strive to empower health professionals and parents with knowledge of the benefit of early detection and early intervention for children’s sensory, motor, and communication development.Pathways fulfills its mission, while honoring the heart of the family, by providing tools for tracking child development, assisting parents with access to thousands of therapy centers in the United States and providing medicalprofessionals with educational materials to further their practice. Pathways’ activities are based upon theexpertise of the Pathways Medical Round Table – leading physicians, clinicians and lay advisors who are sensitive to the medical and emotional needs of persons with physical challenges and their families and/or caregivers. Pathways chose its name based on the elasticity of the brain and its ability to create new pathways.We believe that early detection and early intervention are crucial in maximizing a child’s potential.

Activities: “Parent-answered” national toll-free line 800-955-CHILD (2445)

Our toll-free line is answered by parents whose children have benefited from early therapy services.This resource center is utilized by thousands of parents and professionals yearly.

Website www.pathways.org Our website, intended for both parents and professionals, contains valuable information about children’s physical development, such as our AAP-endorsed growth and development chart. It also contains great resources from our latest Tummy Time campaign, such as information on the importance of Tummy Time and suggestions for exercises. Our video series highlights a variety of success stories with physical therapy to which parents can easily relate. It has seen millions of hits since its inception in 1996. This unique site continues to grow as we add more content and spread our important message across the nation.

Assure Baby’s Physical Development This cornerstone piece is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. It helps parents identify warning signs of a motor delay as they trackdevelopmental milestones. This brochure also includes parent stories, consistent with our goal to provide support to parents for what is often found to be a lonely walk. Over 3 million brochures have been seen by parents, physicians, nurses, therapists and child care providers over the past 20 years. It is available for download in 11 different languages from our website.

Tummy Time InformationOur comprehensive Tummy Time resources include a film and printed handout with tips and suggestions for integrating Tummy Time into an infant’s day. Pathways recommends babies start with Tummy Time for just a few minutes per day, eventually building up to an hour a day, in several shorter intervals, by three months.

Award Winning Educational Films Early Infant Assessment Redefined, for health professionalsIs My Baby Okay?, for parentsBoth films feature an eight step gross motor skills examination comparing two six-month old infants, helping parents and health professionals to recognize atypical movement patterns.

Hot Topics Module: Recognizing Early Motor Delays Pathways has created a series of online continuing medical education modules for the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics comparing two infants’ development at specific ages.

About Pathways.org



Pathways Medical Round TableCo-ChairmenH. Garry Gardner, M.D., FAAPJohn F. Sarwark, M.D., FAAP, FAACPDM, FAAOS

CommitteeSuzann K. Campbell, P.T., PhD., FAPTA, FAACPDMDeborah Gaebler-Spira, M.D., FAAP, FAACPDMTerri Gartenberg, PhD, CCC-SLPGay Girolami, P.T., PhD, FAACPDMClare Giuffrida, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTAKaren R. Judy, M.D.Amy Becker Manion PhD, RN, CPNPMichael E. Msall, M.D., FAAP, FAACPDMMichael N. Nelson, Ph.D.Russell G. Robertson, M.D.Diane Fritts Ryan, OTR/LLori Walsh, M.D.Rosemary White-Traut, Ph.D., RN, FAANNina Aliprandi, M.A., ParentMargaret C. DaleyShirley Welsh Ryan

This message endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics,the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, AmericanCollege of Osteopathic Pediatricians and Pediatric Section of theAmerican Physical Therapy Association.

COPY FREELY, DO NOT CHANGE, MUST ACKNOWLEDGE PATHWAYS.ORG. ©Copyright 2011

Parents’ StoriesBirthAbby was born full term and had difficulty with feeding, low muscle tone and head control. At our first visit with our family physician, she was diagnosed with a chromosomalabnormality and referred immediately for physical and speech therapy. Abby improveddramatically in her movement and speech skills. Now, at age 16, she is a happy, activeteenager. We are so grateful to our family physician for the early referral to pediatricphysical and speech therapy. James and Brenda A.

2-3 MonthsJeffrey was born at 42 weeks following an uneventful pregnancy. At three months, hecould not push up on his arms and had difficulty holding his head up when placed on histummy. We shared our concerns with our pediatrician who referred us to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician. Jeffrey is now 10 months old and although he does not have adefinite diagnosis, he can push up on his arms from tummy lying and get on his hands andknees. We know that he is getting the help he needs. Robert and Cindy P.

4-5 MonthsRachel was a breech baby and experienced meconium aspiration at birth. By age four monthsshe was not holding her head up or using her hands. Our pediatrician referred us to ourstate’s Early Intervention program so Rachel could learn better physical movement. Now atage four and a half, she is learning to walk, attends our neighborhood school and is maximizingher potential. Frank and Jenni S.

6-7 MonthsJason, who was eight weeks premature, was always difficult to diaper. His legs were stiffand difficult to get apart. At six months of age, he arched backward whenever we triedto place him in sitting. At eight months, he could still not sit by himself. Our pediatricianreferred him to an Early Intervention program that includes physical therapy. Jason is nowlearning to walk by himself. Larry and Pam R.

8-9 MonthsMatt, the second of twins, refused to be placed on his tummy. He also would not takeany weight on his feet, even at nine months of age, while his twin brother was walkingaround furniture in our living room. Our pediatrician referred us to a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and Early Intervention services. Matt began physical therapy atnine months of age. He took his first steps at fifteen months. He may no longer needtreatment by his second birthday. Mike and Terry S.

10-12 MonthsChristopher was born five weeks early and was in the hospital two weeks before cominghome. During his first year of life, we began to notice that he did not use his right handas often as his left. As he began to pull to stand, his right leg lagged behind. In standinghe leaned toward the left side and dragged the right leg when walking around furniture.At eleven months, our pediatrician prescribed physical and occupational therapy. Now,at three years of age, Christopher is walking. Bob and Sue D.

What Every Parent Should KnowPathways.org’s unique chartallows you to track your child’s physical and speech development. Remember totrust your instincts. You knowyour child best. If you feel your baby is developing at a different pace, seek help. All children can learn. Early detection is the BEST prevention.

About PathwaysThe Mission of Pathways.org,since 1985, is to promote and advance infants’ and children’s motor, sensory andcommunication developmentto all parents and healthcareproviders. Pathways MedicalRoundtable is instrumental inachieving our mission throughstrategic and supportive direction.

Pathways.org is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

TM

Questions? Please call our “parent-answered” toll-free number, or email us. We willsend you more information and refer you to therapists in your area.1-800-955-CHILD (2445)TTY 800-326-8154email: [email protected]

Pathways.org is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

� Difficulty lifting head

� Stiff legs with little orno movement

� Pushes back with head

� Keeps hands fisted and lacks arm movement

� Rounded back

� Unable to lift head up

� Poor head control

� Difficult to bring arms forwardto reach out

� Arches back and stiffens legs

� Uses one hand predominately

� Rounded back

� Poor use of armsin sitting

� Difficulty getting to stand because of stiff legs andpointed toes

� Only uses arms to pull up to standing

� Sits with weight to one side

� Strongly flexed or stiffly extended arms

� Needs to use hand to maintain sitting

� Unable to take steps independently

� Poor standing balance, falls frequently

� Walks on toes

� Difficulty crawling

� Uses only one side of body to move

� Arms heldback

� Stiff legs

� Inability to straightenback

� Cannot takeweight on legs

Signs to Watch for in Physical Development*

While lying on their tummy…� Pushes up on arms

� Lifts and holds head up

� Uses hands to supportself in sitting

� Rolls from back to tummy

� While standing withsupport, accepts entireweight with legs

� Sits and reaches for toys without falling

� Moves from tummy or back into sitting

� Creeps on hands andknees with alternate armand leg movement

� Pulls to stand and cruises along furniture

� Stands alone and takesseveral independentsteps

� Walks independentlyand seldom falls

� Squats to pick up toy

While lying on their back…� Visually tracks a moving toy from side to side

� Attempts to reach for a rattle heldabove their chest

� Keeps head in the middle to watch faces or toys

� Reaches for a nearby toy while on their tummy

While lying on their back…� Transfers a toy from one hand to the other

� Reaches both hands to play with feet

� In a high chair, holds and drinks from a bottle

� Explores and examines an objectusing both hands

� Turns several pages of a chunky(board) book at once

� In simple play imitates others

� Finger feeds self

� Releases objects into a container with a large opening

� Uses thumb and pointer finger to pick up tiny objects

� Stacks two objects or blocks

� Helps with getting undressed

� Holds and drinks from a cup

Typical Physical Development*Typical Speech Development*

BY

3 M

ON

THS � Sucks and swallows well

during feeding

� Quiets or smiles in response to sound or voice

� Coos or vocalizes other than crying

� Turns head toward direction of sound

� Begins to use consonant soundsin babbling, e.g. “dada”

� Uses babbling to get attention

� Begins to eat cereals and pureed foods

� Increases variety of sounds andsyllable combinations in babbling

� Looks at familiar objects and people when named

� Begins to eat junior and mashed table foods

� Meaningfully uses “mama” or “dada”

� Responds to simple commands, e.g.“come here”

� Produces long strings of gibberish (jargoning) in social communication

� Begins to use an open cup

� Vocabulary consists of 5-10 words

� Imitates new less familiar words

� Understands 50 words

� Increases variety of coarselychopped table foods

BY

6 M

ON

THS

BY

9 M

ON

THS

BY

12

MO

NTH

SB

Y 1

5 M

ON

THS

COPY FREELY, DO NOT CHANGE, MUST ACKNOWLEDGE PATHWAYS.ORG. © Copyright 2011* Remember to correct your child’s age for prematurity.

Typical Play Development*

Early Detection is the Best Prevention!

Important Parent Ideas:

� Keep a notebookfor your concernsand observations.

� Review this chartand check thesigns you see in your baby.**

� Share your concerns, thischart and yournotebook withyour child’s doctor or healthcare professional.

** It is okay to checkboxes in both theareas of “Typical Development” and“Signs to Watch for.”

Pathways.org is a 501(c)(3)not-for-profit organization

Jonathan started physical therapy at 4 months because his mother was concerned that his head was tilted to one side. Jonathan was diagnosed with torticollis, a common condition which is a shortening of the muscles on one side of the neck and/or trunk. Without treatment, torticollis can limit a baby’s ability to achieve basic skills like sitting, crawling and eventually walking. You can see how his back is curved due to the shortened muscles on one side. This prevents him from learning to sit independently. He also has trouble reaching for toys with the right arm.

11 Months of age

9 Months of age

6 Months of age

At 9 months, Jonathan is able to sit independently and the curve in his spine is greatly reduced. He is able to reach without losing his balance using either the right or left arm. Here you can see that he is still putting more of his weight on his left hip.

The therapist continues to work on retraining Jonathan’s muscles by using her hands to simulate proper posture. She has strategically placed toys around Jonathan to help him reach and stretch which will improve his symmetry, muscle strength, and balance.

The therapist is helping Jonathan by showing him what it feels like to sit the right way. Her hand on his hip helps shift his weight so he can learn to reach and grasp with both hands. Jonathan’s parents also consistently followed up with a home program recommended by their therapist, which essentially “retrains” Jonathan’s muscles to improve his posture and muscle control.

At 11 months, Jonathan is now able to sit with a straight back and weight evenly distributed on both hips. The earlier curve we observed at 6 months is no longer visible. He will still make occasional visits to a physical therapist so she can monitor for any recurrence of neck or spinal asymmetry which could potentially contribute to scoliosis later in life.

Notice how freely Jonathan reaches with both the right and left arms, easily moving the limbs away from the body while maintaining his sitting balance. This is a major change from just 4 months ago, when he kept his right upper arm close to his body for stability.



Torticollis and the Importance ofTummy Time: Meet Jonathan

Essential Tummy Time Moves .org

PathwaysThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep and their tummies to play as part of a daily routine. Just a few minutes a day, a few times a day, can help your baby get used to “tummy time” and help prevent early motor delays. If you begin early (even from just a few days old) and maintain a consistent schedule, you baby will learn to love tummy time. This helps develop the muscles in their back, neck and trunk, on their way to meeting all their infant development milestones.

Here are the top five moves you can begin as soon as your baby is born:

Tummy to Tummy~Lie down on the �oor or a bed, �at or propped up on pillows.Place baby on your chest or tummy, so that you’re face-to-face.Always hold �rmly for safety.

Eye-Level Smile~Get down level with your baby to encourage eye contact.Roll up and place a blanket under the chest and upper arms for added support.

Lap Soothe~Place your baby face-down across your lap to burp or soothe him.A hand on your baby’s bottom will help steady and calm.

Tummy-Down Carry~Slide one hand under the tummy and between the legs when carrying baby tummy down.Nestle the baby close to your body.

Tummy Minute~Place your baby on her tummy for one or two minutes every time you change her.Start a few minutes at a time and try to work up t an hour a day in short intervals by the end of three months.Don’t get discouraged every bit of tummy time makes a difference.

For a tummy time video, more information on why tummy time is so important and agrowth and development chart endorsed by the AAP, please contact:

Pathways.org Parent-Answered Help Line 1-800-955-CHILD - www.Pathways.org

email questions to: [email protected]

On odd days, face baby this way

On even days, face baby this way

Changing the direction of your baby in the crib helps build strength and prevent early motor delays. Always place baby on his back to sleep.

Pathways .orgParent-Answered Help Line 1-800-955-CHILD - www.pathways.org


Pathways.org Parent-Answered Help Line 1-800-955-CHILD - www.pathways.org




Parents and babies are constantly on the go, and with car seats that also serve as baby carriers, you might find that your baby is spending hours in the same position. Ideas to help:

since 1985, pathways.org has promoted the best physical ... · 2009: associated rise in positional...

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