Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy in the nursery

Our neonatal physiotherapists aim empower families with their child's care and they put the family (espeically the mother-child and father-child dyads) at the centre of what they do. 

Neuroprotective care for your baby

If your baby has been born less than 30 weeks gestation, or has had other specific difficulties in the newborn period then they will be assessed by the physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will show you ways of helping the early stages of your baby’s development. This includes ways of positioning and handling your baby, to encourage your baby to use their muscles in the best way. Babies who are born at more than 30 weeks will also benefit from these activities.

Nesting

‘Nesting’ is the term used to describe curling your baby up while he or she is in the humidicrib. It copies the curling up that your baby would have had if still in the womb. Nesting helps the development of your baby in these ways:

• It is easier for babies to use their tummy muscles – these are weak in babies born very early. The nest gives babies something to push against to help strengthen their arms and legs.
• Babies will find it easier to bring their hands to their tummy and play with them.
• Your baby will feel more secure and contained, and this will help him or her to settle.

Peanut pillow

Very little babies lie with their heads turned mostly to one side or the other, not in the middle. A peanut pillow supports your baby’s head in the middle. Positioning your baby’s head in the middle with a peanut pillow:

• Can help with the early moulding of your baby’s head shape.
• Helps to hold your baby’s head comfortably if a ventilator is assisting their breathing.
• Helps them to develop the control of their head in the midline.
• Encourages more symmetrical arm and leg movement.
• Lets them have their head in a position that is easier for them to look at you when you are talking to them.

Holding your baby

As your baby gets used to being out of the crib you can start to include other activities that will help them with movement development. When holding your baby, keep the shoulders forward, arms in front of the body and knees tucked up towards his or her chest. Just like the peanut pillow and the nesting, this will help your baby to use the tummy muscles, as well as making them feel secure.

Lying against your chest

This is a position that lots of babies like. Sit comfortably in a chair. Rest your baby against your chest laying him or her on their tummy. Your baby will start to lift up their head for a short time. You can try this in your baby’s ‘skin-to-skin’ time.

Supported sitting

You can do this with your baby in the crib, or on your lap. The physio or nurse will show you how to sit your baby, so that he or she is starting to develop head control.

If you have any questions or concerns about physiotherapy for your baby ask your nurse to page the Newborn Care or Developmental Follow Up physiotherapist who can discuss these with you.