Some people call them ‘Mommy and Me, Caregiver and Me, Baby and Me Classes’, but what are they? Caregiver and Me Enrichment Classes Baby and toddler classes can be a great way to build a little structure in your day and spend time together. I hesitate to call these classes just “mommy” and me classes because ALL are welcome including: awesome dads involved grandparents focused foster parents enriching nannies active babysitters aunts and uncles who want to have some special time with your little humans Everyone can join in the fun and learn something new! “I like to be part of th ..read more

Tummy Time is better together! Tummy time is unbelievably important in supporting healthy child development.  Because of this, as a physical therapist, I want all babies to enjoy playing and engaging while being on their tummies! So why is tummy time important? When your baby spends time playing on his tummy, it:  Helps your baby lift, support and control his own head. Teaches your baby to turn his head to open his airways. Strengthens your baby’s muscles. Teaches your baby to weight-shift his body, hands and arms and improve balance and coordination. Prevents your baby fro ..read more

How you must know by now, I love the idea of infant massage and all the benefits it brings to both the baby and the family! Benefits of Infant Massage. Let me tell you how I became a Certified Instructor of Infant Massage through Infant Massage USA…My husband and I were foster parents to an infant who had experienced trauma both in utero, post-birth, and then of course, the separation from his mother. I visited this sweet little boy almost everyday in the NICU before we brought him home to stay and care for him. Leaving the hospital, I thought “I’ve got this.” OH NO! I did not have this… His s ..read more

What is colic? Colic occurs in healthy, well-fed infants who cry for greater than 3 hours per day, 3 days per week and for greater than 3weeks in duration. It begins during the 2nd week of life, peaks at 6 weeks and resolves between 12 and 16 week. It is equally common in both breast – and bottle fed infants. Those with colic cry excessively, are more difficult to console, have disrupted sleep and are the source of parental anxiety. I can attest to this and I know how you are feeling! I too went through this, and boy oh boy, it was trying! That is why I offer what I know because I do not want ..read more

Infant Massage is a wonderful way to bond and interact with your baby.  Mothers instinctively massage their baby from the moment they are born through gentle touch and rubbing.  It helps the body adjust to the stimulation of a world full of noises, lights, movement and clamor with curiosity, not fear.  Its benefits go far beyond the immediate physiological gains.  As you massage your baby regularly, you will discover that you develop a bond with your child that will last a lifetime! Vimala McClure, the founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, create ..read more

Class Registration The class is great for… first time parents including foster and adoptive, mothers on maternity leave, grandparents who would like to relearn some baby tricks, and nannies or baby sitters who want developmental ideas caregivers who want affirmation they are doing a great job, who want to learn ideas on how to play and interact with their baby, who have questions - this is a SAFE, non-judgmental zone! a BABY (3 weeks-pre-crawling) who is struggling with tummy time, who seems to have a head turning preference or showing signs of a misshaped head, who is gassy, colicky, o ..read more

What is Tummy Time? "Tummy time is the time during the day your baby spends on their tummy while awake."  The American Academy of Pediatrics states it is crucial for you baby's development to play on their tummies, and as a Pediatric Physical Therapist, I totally AGREE!  Tummy time is unbelievably important in supporting healthy child development.  Because of this, I want all babies to enjoy playing and engaging while being on their tummies! What does the Medical/Developmental Research say about Tummy Time? consistent tummy time practice every day is associated with improved m ..read more

If you have ever thought, “what do I do with my baby or toddler today?”, you have come to the right place! As a pediatric physical therapist and child development evaluator, it is so much easier to play with someone else’s child, than my own. Haha, SERIOUSLY! I think it is because I always have a plan before I even start. It was not until more recently, I realized to just follow the child’s lead and build on what they are already doing. It is absolutely magical to watch a child grow and explore with what is already around them. With the pandemic, I stopped bringing in supplies into the homes a ..read more

TORTICOLLIS Does your baby prefer to turn her head in one direction (chin to shoulder) or does she tilt it to one side (ear to shoulder)?  Are you noticing a flat spot developing on her skull? Do you notice asymmetries with her ears, eyes or cheeks? If so, your baby might be developing Torticollis or an abnormal neck posture.  When babies are born, they present with physiologic flexion and soft tissue contractions from positioning in utero.  They all typically have a head preference to one side or the other.  Therefore in our world of "Back to Sleep", this means parents are ..read more

The Many Benefits of Infant Massage “Be cautious about what the experts tell you.  What sounds complex and clever may have no roots.  Wisdom has no cleverness in it.  It is pure and simple and when it is practiced, the results are obvious.” Infant massage is often stated to be a bonding experience between parent and child.  But it is more than that!  While bonding is specific to birth and our connection, attachment happens over time and can occur between any two beings.  Attachment is an interaction between parents and children, biological or not, that develops du ..read more