FAQs

Why do babies need PT? 

I’m glad you asked! PTs use their expertise in evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention to come up with a plan to encourage movement, development, exploration, and learning in babies. We also work hard to promote overall health, inclusion, and accessibility for each baby and family. PT for babies takes place in a variety of places, including the hospital, at home, in a clinic, at daycare, or at school. 

No matter what the setting, no matter what the task, no matter what the goal, baby PT should always look like PLAY. Play is the language babies understand and respond to best!

When should I start tummy time? How do I do it? For how long? 

When: Right away, day of birth, when medically cleared, NOW!

How: On your chest, over your lap, in your arm, on the floor mat or over a Boppy. There are lots of ways to get in that tummy time!

For how long: Start with a few minutes, several times a day when baby is awake and supervised. Gradually increase the time as they get bigger and stronger. I always say, “an hour (of tummy time) a day keeps the PT away!” ;) 

I have some concerns about my baby’s development, but my doctor said to “wait and see.” What should I do next?

Always, ALWAYS listen to your intuition. YOU are the expert on your baby, and if you have concerns, speak up! Ask for a PT referral, or book a virtual developmental consultation with bebePT now to get individualized support. We need to replace “wait and see” with “when in doubt, check it out!” 

My baby is in the NICU…what can I expect?

First of all, I’m sending you a big hug. The NICU is a place nobody wants to find themselves, but when you need it, is it there for you. Remember each NICU journey is different, and no matter how many days/weeks/months you are in the NICU, it is a traumatic, life-changing experience. It will be a roller coaster, so seek support, advocate for yourself and your baby, and take advantage of resources available to you.

Lean on your family and friends, ask for a social work consult, don’t be afraid to speak up in rounds to ask questions.

For more support and information, here is a blog post about advocating for your baby in the NICU, and for an idea of what life inside the NICU looks like (including great advice from NICU parents themselves), read this blog post.

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.

What types of baby equipment are okay for my little? 

Choosing baby equipment is a complex process with many factors to consider, including what your goal is for the equipment, what your baby needs, and how you use it. 
 
Being thoughtful about baby equipment is important because babies’ bodies are vulnerable and developing, so we need to be thoughtful about the postures, positions and pressures they are experiencing. Too much time in devices can lead to Container Baby Syndrome.

A good guideline is to limit time in baby equipment to 30 minutes a day, and double the amount of floor time they get! Floor time is important for all aspects of development.

Choose equipment that is appropriate for the skills your baby is working on, and make sure they are well supported with neutral, midline alignment. Jumpers are generally not recommended, for several reasons.
Always use equipment the way they were designed, safely, and under supervision to avoid injury.

What are Bebe PT consultations, and what can I expect from them?

Developmental consultations are 30 minute virtual meetings with Angela Fritz, PT, DPT, PCS, to get individualized support for your little one. 

What they ARE: 

• A brave space to discuss your child’s individual needs with an expert in infant development

• An opportunity to discuss concerns, ask questions, and receive insight and guidance

• A chance to explore your child’s strengths and learn how to support their ongoing development

• A learning/education opportunity for parents and caregivers

  
  What they ARE NOT:

• A physical therapy evaluation or treatment session

• Intended to delay or substitute care

• Developmental consultations DO NOT take the place of in-person, individualized care from a trusted healthcare professional

• A path to diagnosis, prognosis, or a plan of care

• A way to establish a patient-provider relationship

What is Nerds Unite?

Nerds Unite is bebePT’s study group, journal club, task force, think tank. It is a space for us (therapists, parents, caregivers, students, interested parties…) to come together to learn, grow, collaborate, and support each other.

Nerds Unite have met to study journal articles, to create a task force to make sense of the updated CDC Milestones and the new AAP Safe Sleep guidelines, and to provide mentorship to students and new grads. You can join us by subscribing to bebePT and following along on Instagram @bebe__pt to find out about upcoming events!

Welcome, fellow nerds!