A Comprehensive Guide to Baby’s Early Motor Development

Early intervention is key to supporting baby’s development, and it all starts with detection. In the below modules, you will learn how to detect motor delays in newborns, at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months. You will also learn important warning signs and risk factors for motor delays, as well as insights and resources to support babies and their families. Browse the 10 modules below, broken up into 3 parts; Introduction, Exam and Resources.

This course will be available for CME credit by March 2025.

Jump to a part of the training: Part 1: Introduction | Part 2: Exam | Part 3: Resources

 

Part 1: Introduction, Warning Signs and Exam Guide

3 videos

 

Part 1: Introduction | Video 1 of 3

Welcome and Overview

Discover the importance of early detection in atypical motor development for infants with insights from Dr. Nina Alfieri, a pediatrician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. In this video, Dr. Alfieri discusses the challenges of evaluating muscle tone in young infants and introduces a streamlined technique that can be seamlessly integrated into routine well-baby visits.

 

Part 1: Introduction | Video 2 of 3

Introduction, Warning Signs, and Risk Factors

Dr. Nina Alfieri, a pediatrician at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and Dr. Vamshi Rao, a neuromuscular specialist, introduce a comprehensive approach to assessing motor development in infants.

 

Part 1: Introduction | Video 3 of 3

Guide for the 4 Position Baby Exam

In this video, we look at the four-position exam, a practical technique you can easily incorporate into well-baby visits to assess infant development.

 

Part 2: Baby Motor Development Exam by Age

4 videos

 

Part 2: Baby Motor Development Exam | Video 1 of 4

Newborn Typical & Atypical Development

Newborns grow and develop rapidly and understanding their early motor skills can help parents and physicians support their growth! In this video, we explore typical and atypical motor development in newborns, from birth to 1 month old.

Part 2: Baby Motor Development Exam | Video 2 of 4

2 Month Typical & Atypical Motor Development

At 2 months old, babies begin to exhibit key motor skills vital for their development. This video provides an overview of typical and atypical motor patterns at this age, offering valuable information for parents, caregivers, and physicians.

 

Part 2: Baby Motor Development Exam | Video 3 of 4

4 Month Typical & Atypical Motor Development

Understanding the motor development of a four-month-old baby is important for both parents and physicians. This video provides a detailed comparison of typical and atypical motor patterns at this stage, helping to identify early signs of delays.

 

Part 2: Baby Motor Development Exam | Video 4 of 4

6 Month Typical & Atypical Development

What does typical and atypical motor development look like in a 6-month-old baby? In this video for physicians, parents and caregivers, learn what signs indicate typical and atypical development for four key motor movements at 6 months.


Part 3: Insights & Resources

3 videos

 

Part 3: Insights & Resources | Video 1 of 3

Insight into the Early Intervention Process

In this conversation you’ll hear from Emily Muzzy, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and early intervention specialist based in Chicago. Emily provides an in-depth look at the early intervention (EI) process, shedding light on how families can access essential services for their children who show developmental delays. She explains the eligibility criteria, the evaluation process, and the creation of an individualized family service plan (IFSP).

 

Part 3: Insights & Resources | Video 2 of 3

Insight into the Early Intervention Process

In this interview, Dr. Nina Alfieri speaks with Dr. Vamshi Rao, a neuromuscular specialist. They dive deep into the complexities of detecting and evaluating motor development and atypical tone in infants. Dr. Rao shares insights into subtle symptoms of conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, emphasizing the critical role of early diagnosis.

 

Part 3: Insights & Resources | Video 3 of 3

Recap and Resources for Clinicians and Families

This video provides essential tools and resources to enhance clinical practice and support families in monitoring infant motor development. It reviews key techniques for screening, recognizing, and referring atypical motor development in infants under 6 months old.

It’s never too early (or too late) to get baby on the right pathway. Our promise of trusted information, backed up by experts, extends to the mobile app!

• All of our developmental milestones are validated/supported by American Academy of Pediatrics findings.
• All of our resources are developed with and approved by expert pediatric physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
• If your child is missing milestones, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. This app does not substitute being seen regularly by a healthcare professional.
• Pathways.org does not share any personal information that can be used to identify you or your child.

About Pathways.org

Our Mission

Provide free tools to maximize all children’s motor, sensory, and communication development.

Our Vision

Empower parents to understand and encourage their baby’s development to keep them on track or catch potential delays early.

Our Goal

Ensure every child is screened for motor, sensory, and communication development by 4 months of age, taking advantage of baby’s neuroplasticity.

Learn More About Pathways.org