Babies & Early Development
The early years bring enormous growth and change, and it can sometimes be difficult to know whether your baby's development is progressing as expected. Whether you're seeking reassurance, monitoring development after prematurity, or concerned about a milestone, Lumi Kids provides evidence-based assessment and practical support tailored to your family.
How we can help
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Flat head shape, torticollis, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), positional differences and other early musculoskeletal concerns.
Assessment and early guidance for common concerns identified during the newborn period, with practical strategies to support development, monitor progress and facilitate timely referral when required.
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High-risk infant follow-up, developmental surveillance, General Movements Assessment (GMA), HINE and early developmental support.
Supporting babies born prematurely or requiring neonatal care through specialised developmental assessment, early identification and family-centred intervention during the period of greatest brain development.
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Baby not rolling, sitting, crawling or walking?
Helping families understand their child's motor development through comprehensive assessment, reassurance where appropriate, and practical strategies to support the next stage of development.
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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
Developmental and motor assessments
Assessment may include observation of movement quality, posture, muscle tone, strength, symmetry and motor development.
Depending on the baby’s age and history, standardised assessments may also be used, including:
Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment
Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination
Alberta Infant Motor Scale
These assessments are used as part of a broader clinical evaluation and can help determine whether development is progressing as expected, whether monitoring may be beneficial or whether early intervention or referral is recommended.
Telehealth Developmental Assessments
For some families, telehealth can be a convenient way to access expert developmental assessment and guidance from home.
This may 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.
Depending on your child's age and presentation, assessment may include observation of motor development and use of standardised assessments such as the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), which is well suited to telehealth assessment. Learn more about assessments.
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.