I-IV Quarter Course

Lesson 1.1: Mistakes in lifting and carrying babies

The most common mistakes in these elements include, above all, grabbing the baby under the arms to be lifted and carrying it in a sitting position. You are not doing the baby a serious harm, but there are techniques that have negative consequences. In the next lessons you will learn how to properly lift and carry your baby.

Lesson 1.2: Lifting in the Pancake Hold and changing position

As we discussed in the previous lesson, the ‘armpit lift’ is not the best technique. That is why we suggest that you pick up your baby with the "pancake lift", in a safe and physiological way, where the gravity forces do not affect its spine so much. Importantly, this lifting technique allows for an easy and comfortable transition to both carrying positions we suggest in the next lesson.

Lesson 1.3: Improving muscle tone hold

The Moro reflex is a physiological reflex in the 1st quarter and it is usually a response to a sudden change of position. The baby's body tenses up as a whole. When changing the baby's position, especially when putting it in and taking it out of the bathtub, it is worth using the hold we propose in this lesson. This hold is safe and even if the baby tenses up sharply, we will prevent the child from slipping out of his hands by holding it under the neck and bottom.

Lesson 1.4: Proper baby carrying

Check how to carry your baby in a position that is safe and reassuring, and it’s comfortable for you. We propose carrying the baby in the ‘Royal Position’ – the VIP position, i.e. sitting down, but with a low-set bottom and hips pushed forward. Also, we give you the lateral ‘Tiger Position’, which has a calming effect on the baby, helps to satisfy the sucking reflex, and also aids in gastric problems.

Lesson 1.5: Carrying after feeding

The position that aids the work of intestines is the ‘Tiger Position’, which you learned in the previous lesson. However, immediately after feeding, to burp the baby, we suggest to hold the baby in such a way that its head is over the edge of our shoulders, and its stomach is placed on our chest. After burping the baby, you can carry it in the "Tiger Position".

Lesson 2.1: Dressing a baby

Like taking off parts of clothes, dressing a baby is an activity you do every day. See the way of dressing a baby we recommend that is safe and the least irritating to the sensory system.

Lesson 2.2: Undressing a baby

An activity you do every day, often more than once. Therefore, it is worth learning to do it in a child-friendly way. We will show you how to take off your baby's tops and bottoms so that it is safe and does not irritate the skin excessively.

Lesson 2.3: Proper way to wipe baby's mouth

Spitting up after feeding or drooling, which is a completely normal phenomenon in babies in the first weeks of life, requires parents to wipe their mouth and around the mouth. However, it is often done in a way that stimulates the child's very sensitive oral sphere. In this short lesson, you will see how to wipe baby’s mouth and not irritate it.

Lesson 2.4: Ways to soothe babies

Crying is a natural way for a baby to communicate with us. In this lesson, we will show you ways to calm your baby, which will work, provided that we have taken care of a full stomach and a dry diaper . Some babies calm down after 3 minutes under the influence of what we discuss, others need more time. Be patient with this stimulation and you will see its effects.

Lesson 3.1: Developmental norm and the High Bottom

From this lesson you will learn what we consider a developmental norm at the end of the 1st quarter that is what skills a harmoniously developing baby should have at 12 weeks of age. We will also show one of our prime exercises, which not only consolidates symmetry, but also allows the baby to explore its own body through the contact of hands with legs. Of course, we are talking about the High Bottom, which we start in the 1st and continue in the 2nd quarter of life.

Lesson 3.2: Symmetry, arms positioning and support on a roller

We will draw your attention to the correct behavior of the baby in lying on its back, as well as to the proper position and activity of its arms. We will also show you how to encourage your baby to be more active on his stomach, using the front support with a foam roller.

Lesson 3.3: Stimulation by pressing

Stimulation of deep sensation that is proprioception, is a very important and pro-developmental element from the 1st weeks of the baby's life. These are toning and pleasant stimuli for the baby. They are also a good way to spend time on a daily basis, as well as strengthen mutual bond. Remember that there is never too much tactile stimulation by pressing!

Lesson 4.1: High support - continued

In the second quarter, we want to and can count on the cooperation of the baby, who set into the High Support, will be able to keep the position on straightened arms. This exercise perfectly strengthens the muscles of the arms and back, and also trains the baby’s proper level of muscle tone in the shoulder girdle. We can say that this is our first task, with which we support getting into the position on all fours in the third quarter.

Lesson 4.2: High Bottom - continued

High Bottom is our play with which we achieve at least three goals. Firstly, we encourage the baby to contact its hands and legs and get to know its own body. Secondly, we consolidate symmetrical movement patterns. Thirdly, we practice flexion, abduction and external rotation of the hips, which strengthens the abdominal and back muscles.

Lesson 5.1: Working on the ball health and safety

It is a short but very important lesson. Check what you need to do to safely exercise with the baby on the ball, and how to assume a comfortable position for your back, which is often overloaded with a number of everyday duties. These tips apply to any type of ball exercise in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters.

Lesson 5.2: Lying on the stomach - warm-up

Each of the activities on a ball must start with familiarizing the baby with the ball, as well as preparing the baby’s body for more intensive work. We start with a play, which we call Bouncing that is bouncing the baby on the ball. This will work as a warm-up and stimulate the baby’s sensory system

Lesson 5.3: Lying on the stomach - high support

A good variation and, at the same time, an additional challenge to the play in high support is transferring it to the ball. We gain the same as we would do this exercise on the floor, but simultaneously we familiarize the baby with the ball and have a nice time together.

Lesson 5.4: Lying on the stomach - side to side balance

With the side-to-side balance, we strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, as well as baby’s control of the torso. All these factors are necessary, for a harmoniously developing baby, to initiate moving on all fours in the third quarter. Remember about the equal number of repetitions for the right and left side - this way we consolidate the symmetry!

Lesson 5.5: Lying on the stomach - tactile stimulation and vibration

This exercise can be a great break between our other exercises. Strong meaning an intense tactile stimulus gives the baby a sense of security, and additionally it has a toning effect. Vibration is also an intense stimulus. Watch your baby's reactions to vibrations, if you see that it likes them, it means that its sensory system needs such sensations. Then, use it often!

Lesson 5.6: Lying on the stomach - full workout

This lesson combines all the other lessons in this module into one. Check how a full workout with a baby aged 4-6 months on the ball should look like. 10-15 minutes of these activities during the day suffice to support the harmonious development of the baby, strengthen its ability to control and balance the torso and thus help in achieving milestones.

Lesson 6.1: Back-to-stomach turn

As we mentioned in earlier lessons, your baby's time on its stomach should increase in the 2nd quarter. Turns are a great exercise supporting the desire to stay on the stomach. After the rotation, the baby can move into a high support and strengthen the shoulder girdle. In this exercise, remember that the baby should do as much of it as possible on its own. Also, do not forget about symmetry, do an equal number of repetitions for the left and right side!

Lesson 7.1: Stomach-to-back turn

It is more difficult to perform than the one from back to stomach, which is why we can expect it from a baby between 6 and 7 months of age. In this lesson, we will show you the correct technique to practice the turn, which is designed to help your baby acquire this skill. As in the case of the back-to-stomach turn, remember to keep symmetry, i.e. equal number of repetitions for the left and right side!

Lesson 7.2: The President's Elbow – three-point support position

This is one of our original positions in which a baby, lying on one side, can actively and freely use the other hand, e.g. reaching for a toy. Thus, we are dealing with dissociation of the shoulder girdle. In this position, we mobilize muscle groups that a baby uses to get into the on-all-fours position.

Lesson 8.1: Three elements of stimulation to crawling

The on-all-fours position, called crawling by parents, can be a difficult or even unattainable position for a baby. Not every baby wants to crawl on all fours. Nevertheless, we like the on-all-fours position because it is a multi-level, correct stimulation of development. Crawling engage the left and right parts of the body (symmetry). In this lesson, we will show you the three elements of stimulation to crawling: high support, heel sit, front and back balance.

Lesson 8.2: Crawling - practice

In the previous lesson, we explained the three elements of stimulation to crawling. In this lesson, we will show you how to specifically practice the initiation of crawling with your baby. We will present the correct hold and positions or movements to use with your baby to help it develop harmoniously in the 3rd quarter and reach this milestone.

Lesson 8.3: Crawling - transition to a sideways sit

In the 3rd quarter, individual milestones are strongly related, and because of that we can practice more than one element at the same time. From this lesson you will learn how to go, with a baby who has already mastered the position of on-all-fours, to a sideways sit and assume an independent sitting position.

Lesson 8.4: Kneelings and sideways sit

Kneelings are the basic exercise in low verticalization and, at the same time, an excellent preparation for high verticalization of babies. Practicing kneeling and moving from this position to sitting sideways engages many muscle groups that are crucial for standing up and then walking in the 4th quarter.

Lesson 9.1: Seating a baby safely on the ball

This lesson is the most important in this module, make sure to start with it! The sitting position on the ball is less stable than the lying position, which is why it is very important to seat a baby in a safe way. In this lesson, we will show you how to do that, and how to hold a baby securely while exercising together.

Lesson 9.2: Back-sitting exercises on the ball

Our play on the ball begins with a warm-up - bouncing, which you should already know from the 2nd quarter. If a baby is not enthusiastic about playing on the ball, bouncing can have a calming effect and encourage baby to the activity. We will also show you the elements of balance strengthening the muscles of the back and abdomen.

Lesson 9.3: Front-sitting exercises on the ball

Being face to face with a baby gives us the opportunity to encourage it to be active by making funny faces. You can also introduce a nice break between exercises, that is, head pokes on the belly. Due to the eye contact, front-back and side-to-side balance tasks may require more focus and concentration from a baby, thus the level of difficulty increases.

Lesson 10.1: Preparation for verticalization in sitting on the ball

The baby’s ability to get up and stand is strongly correlated with a strong torso. The ability to control and balance the torso comes from the correct modulation of the abdominal and back muscles. For stimulation of their development, a ball will be perfect, which is an unstable ground for a baby, forcing the muscular system to work hard. You will learn how to perform side-to-side and front-back balance!

Lesson 10.2: Preparation for verticalization in lying on the stomach position on the ball

In this play, we prepare a baby for independent verticalization, we work on the motor skills of baby’s legs. By bending the baby's knees, we introduce a balance of tension, and because of it baby will be able to control the standing or kneeling position easier, pulling itself up on whatever is at hand. In this set of exercises, you will also learn about the positive aspects of side-to-side balance in lying on the stomach!

Lesson 10.3: Constraining winging

Torso control with the, so-called, wings is incorrect. In each age category, it has its basis, and in each there are appropriate ways to constrain this pattern. In babies who learn to stand upright, we constrain winging due to the fact that the arms extended upwards or to the sides do not protect babies from falling! In our play, we show you a simple and very effective way to constrain winging!

Lesson 10.4: Preparation on modulated ground with support

Modulated ground is a term from physiotherapeutic nomenclature. It can be, for example, a sensory pillow also called a hedgehog. It is our another perfect tool to support exercises and plays next to the ball. In this part, we also work on the correct way of putting weight on the entire foot - an important element in learning to walk by a baby.

Lesson 10.5: Learning to walk

Parents very often want to support their babies in learning to walk by controlling it in the wrong position, which consolidates winging of the arms and does not serve the babies well. From this video you will learn how proper learning to walk should look like, why a baby's shoulder girdle should be lowered and what position the parent should keep.

Lesson 10.6: Self-verticalization

Now we will show you how you can support a baby who is standing up by itself or with support, and is starting to take its first steps. The use of the ball that engages the baby’s shoulder girdle, thus making the task more challenging for a baby – it is an excellent training and stimulation!

Lesson 11.1: Feet stimulation on the “hedgehog”

The hedgehog is perfect not only for exercises involving stability, or control and balance of the baby's torso. We can also successfully use it in the process of tactile stimulation of baby’s feet. Its spiked texture and shape changes under the foot’s pressure will perfectly stimulate the baby's deep sensibility!

Lesson 11.2: Feet stimulation in chestnuts

Contrary to popular opinion, chestnuts can be used not only to make figurines. They can be used in the sensory stimulation of babies! The chestnuts’ irregular shape, hardness and temperature, as well as the sound when they are moved, are the elements that provide the baby with stimuli that support its development.

Lesson 11.3: Sensory stimulation with a massager

In this video, we go beyond the feet and we show you the beneficial effects of full-body compression stimulation. A stimulated baby will be relaxed and satisfied. Even an ordinary massager or roll-on can be useful.

Lesson 12.1: Knee and torso control, vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation

Great play for babies, for which you will need a rubber horse/jumper. This toy can help with knee and torso control, stimulate deep sensibility and the vestibular system. We show you how to constrain the curling of your toes.

Lesson 12.2: Forward and sideways balance on the jumper/horse

In this video we work on support on the arms. This is a necessary skill for every baby, because it provides protection after stumbling or losing balance an falling forward, which are an inseparable element of walking in the first few months. The balance on the rubber horse supports torso control in addition to the correct work of the arms.

Lesson 12.3: Control in the kneeling position

Kneeling is one of the intermediate position in standing up. It is from kneeling on both legs and then on one leg that a baby climbs up and stands upright. While kneeling, we can practice bending and extending the torso. To encourage a baby, we can use a toy that it has to reach for.

Lesson 12.4: Torso control on parent's lap

Every day you spend some time with your baby on your lap. We will show you how to use this time to play that strengthens the control of the baby's torso. In the video, you will also see popular especially among grandmothers and grandfathers – hop-hops stimulating the vestibular system.

Lesson 12.5: Standing Balance

In this lesson, we will show you a play of transferring your body weight to the front leg and the back leg. This way we stimulate both the feet and knees, as well as the torso, abdomen and back, which are responsible for maintaining a stable position, to work intensively.

Lesson 13.1: Characteristics of good first shoes

In this video you will see several types of shoes for the youngest children, which Faliszewski, Ph.D. discusses in detail. Throughout the entire episode, you will learn what is important in a shoe from the point of view of harmonious development and what shoes are safe for a baby's foot. And also which type of a given shoe is better from a physiotherapeutic point of view.

Lesson 13.2: Ways of measuring a baby’s foot

From this video you will learn what are the proven and effective methods to measure a baby's foot. A foot at this age is growing dynamically, often the measurement from a few days ago is no longer valid! It is always worth buying shoes half a size larger, because the toddler will grow into them in a moment. Children's shoe stores will certainly have effective measuring methods!

1-month-old - Can a newborn lie on their side in a controlled situation

1-month-old - Can you start doing the High Bottom Play for a two to three-week-old baby

1-month-old - How long to exercise with a twelve-day-old baby

1-month-old - Should a baby lie on a hard floor or, for example, on their Mom

1-month-old - Cries on the tummy and doesn’t notice toys

1-month-old - Clicking sounds in the joints — is it okay

2-months-old - A baby crying at a physiotherapist - is it normal

2-months-old - A strong need for sucking - how much should we allow the pacifier

2-months-old - Can you lay and support a baby on a feeding bolster

2-months-old - High mobility and activity when lying on their back

2-months-old - The baby arches their back during feeding

2-months-old - When can we start using a baby carrier

2-months-old - From what month can you use a hiking carrier

3-months-old - Can clenching fists be a sign of increased muscle tension level

3-months-old - How to put a baby down for a nap - the correct position for a nap on the stomach correct legs position

3-months-old - Neck pressed into the shoulders, how to help relax

3-months-old - The baby lifts their head up while lying on their back - what should I do

3-months-old - The baby lifts their head while lying on their stomach

3-months-old - When to start high support exercises

3-months-old - Bottle-feeding positions

3-4-months-old - How much tummy time

3-4-months-old - Can you switch to a stroller seat if your baby refuses to lie flat in the bassinet

3-4-months-old - Alternatives to the cradle hold

4-months-old - How to stimulate the baby before bedtime

4-months-old - Is lying on the mother's stomach as good as on the floor

4-months-old - The baby pulls up during a traction test - do not do it on your own

4-months-old - Torticollis — how to help

4-months-old - Lots of crying before falling asleep

4-months-old - Baby crawls backward — how to encourage forward crawling

4-months-old - Flat head and asymmetry

4-months-old - Clenched fists during tummy time

4-5-months-old - Can you use a stroller or a car seat for a baby at this age

5-months-old - Can you stimulate high support on a ball

6-months-old - The baby rolls over during sleep, should you change their position

6-months-old - What activities can you sit a child for

6-months-old - Can a baby who hasn't achieved high support go into a crawling position

6-months-old - Baby pulls legs under but can’t lift head when initiating crawling

6-months-old - Clicking sounds in the spine — is it okay

6-months-old - Can a baby who doesn’t sit stably be placed in a high chair

6-months-old - Baby gets into crawling position but doesn’t roll

6-months-old - Airplane arms in the royal position — how to help

6-months-old - How to lift and carry properly

6-months-old - Will a baby outgrow low muscle tone

6-months-old - When is a baby ready for a high chair and stroller seat

6-months-old - Should a physical therapist show exercises

6-months-old - Practices in the clinic but refuses at home — how to encourage

6-months-old - Often does the airplane — how to help

6-months-old - When can you sit a child who hasn't sat on their own

7-months-old - Baby keeps arms out and makes circular wrist movements — what does it mean

7-months-old - High muscle tone — baby can do the amphibian position but isn’t sitting or crawling yet — how to help

8-months-old - Asymmetrical crawling

8-months-old - Sleep problems, doesn't want to lie on their back

8-months-old - The baby pulls up and stands, what to do

8-months-old - Crawling like a wounded soldier

8-months-old - Low muscle tone, no high support — how to help

9-months-old - Assumes a crawling position, but when they need to move quickly, they crawl

9-months-old - When to switch from a baby carrier to a car seat

9-months-old - Sleeping with legs on the parent — is it okay

9-months-old - Crawls, gets into crawling position, but can’t move forward — how to help

10-months-old - Sitting with a rounded back, sitting in a W position, sitting with the buttocks between the knees

11-months-old - Climbing onto toes and curling them

11-months-old - Prolonged issue with asymmetry - what to do

13-months-old - Toe walking as the main pattern — what to do

19-months-old - Climbing stairs only on all fours

0-12-months-old - From what age can you use an elevation in a pram or stroller

0-12-months-old - From when to when does a baby put their fingers or hands in their mouth

0-12-months-old - How a baby's sense of sight develops

0-12-months-old - How often and for how long to exercise with a baby

0-12-months-old - Recommended length of car travel with an infant

0-12-months-old - From when is a baby rocker safe

0-12-months-old - Flipping upside down and rough play with a baby

0-12-months-old - When can you carry in spider or on the hip

When is it worth seeing an SI specialist, and what are the indications for diagnosis

On what basis is an SI diagnosis made

Effectiveness of sensory integration therapy and how it complements other neurophysiological methods

My personal experience with the effectiveness of SI therapy

Is it true that untreated sensory processing issues can lead to ADHD in the future

Can sensory integration (SI) therapy ever be harmful

Can sensory processing disorders be fully cured

Does every C-section baby end up with sensory issues

How can you desensitize a child to touch stimuli from an early age

What toys and accessories do you recommend for children

From what age is a weighted blanket appropriate

3-months-old - Baby doesn’t like being carried

4-months-old - Sleeps 8 hours straight at night, cries in sleep, doesn’t respond to touch

5-months-old - Frequent night wakings

7-months-old - Doesn’t like cuddling, pushes away, only wants to be carried facing outward

9-months-old - Frequent crying when something is pulled over the head

10-months-old - Trouble sleeping through the night, wakes up every time after being put down

14-months-old - Very active, loves dynamic play, and has trouble falling asleep

18-months-old - Whining and squirming with eyes closed — like being in a trance

7-years-old - Does it make sense to use a weighted blanket

1. Audiobook - Asymmetry in Infants During the First Quarter of Life

2. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 12 weeks of baby's life

3. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 4th month of baby's life

4. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 5-6th month of baby's life

5. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 7th month of baby's life

6. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 8th month of baby's life

7. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 9th month of baby's life

8. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 10th month of baby's life

9. Audiobook - Normal and abnormal infant behavior in the 11-12th month of baby's life