Developmental Delay
Many parents seek physiotherapy support because their baby is not yet reaching a motor milestone such as rolling, sitting, crawling or walking. While these major milestones are important, motor development is made up of many smaller skills that emerge along the way.
For example, before a baby sits independently they are usually developing head control, bringing their hands together, reaching for toys, rolling, and learning to balance their body in different positions.
Sometimes a child may simply be developing at their own pace. In other cases, there may be an underlying motor delay or developmental difference that would benefit from further assessment and support.
At Lumi Kids, developmental concerns are assessed using a combination of clinical observation, discussion with families and standardised assessment tools. One commonly used assessment is the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), a well-established observational assessment of gross motor development for infants from birth until independent walking. The AIMS can help determine whether a child's motor skills are developing within the expected range for their age or whether additional monitoring, assessment or intervention may be beneficial.
Because the AIMS is observational, it can often be completed during a 30-minute telehealth consultation, allowing families to access expert developmental assessment and guidance from their own home.
To learn more about the assessments used at Lumi Kids, including the AIMS, GMA and HINE, please visit our Assessments page.
Telehealth Developmental Assessments
Many infant developmental assessments, including the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), can be completed via telehealth. This can be particularly helpful for families living in regional or remote areas, those seeking a second opinion, or those unable to attend an in-person appointment.
Common concerns
How physiotherapy can help
Physiotherapy for babies is about understanding your child’s movement, identifying what may be getting in the way, and giving families practical strategies that fit into normal life. All therapy is tailored to each child’s age, stage, needs and family routines.
Support may include:
developmental and motor assessment
observation of movement quality, posture, strength and symmetry
assessment of head shape, neck movement, hips or foot position
play-based therapy activities
positioning and handling advice
tummy time and floor play ideas
parent education and reassurance
home program recommendations
guidance around toys, equipment and everyday environments
referral to medical specialists or other health professionals
Babies learn through everyday moments: floor time, cuddles, nappy changes, play, reaching, rolling, carrying, bath time and time spent with family. Lumi Kids designs therapy programs that are practical and realistic for families to use at home. Advice is tailored to your baby’s needs and your family’s routines, so support feels achievable rather than overwhelming. Services may be available in clinic, at home, in community settings and via telehealth where appropriate.
Developmental and motor assessments
Lumi Kids offers developmental and motor assessments to help families understand their baby’s movement and development.
Depending on your child’s age and needs, assessment may include clinical observation, family discussion and standardised tools such as the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment or the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination.
These assessments can help identify whether a baby’s motor development is progressing as expected, whether monitoring may be useful, or whether early intervention or further referral may be recommended.
Some infant developmental assessments may also be completed via telehealth where appropriate.
