When to Schedule Movement Assessments for Your Growing Baby

Watching your baby grow and learn to move is one of the most exciting parts of early parenthood. From their first little stretches to rolling, crawling, and grabbing toys, every movement is a sign of development. But for many parents, there’s also that quiet worry: is my baby moving the way they should be? It’s easy to second-guess what’s normal and what might be something to keep an eye on.

Checking in on how your baby is moving doesn’t mean something is wrong. In fact, movement assessments are often about making sure everything is heading in the right direction. These check-ups can help pick up small issues before they become big ones, giving your baby the best chance to keep learning and growing happily.

Signs That Your Baby Might Need a Movement Assessment

Babies all grow differently, but there are general milestones they often follow. Movement isn’t just about physical strength. It’s also how their brain and body work together. Some babies hit every stage on cue, while others may take a bit longer to catch on. That’s usually fine, but when a baby seems stuck at a stage for longer than expected, or shows signs that something might be off, that’s when a movement assessment might help give some clarity.

You don’t need to be an expert to notice when something feels unusual. Parents are often the first to sense these things. Here are some signs that it might be worth checking with a professional:

- Your baby isn’t pushing up during tummy time, or avoids bearing weight through their arms

- They show a strong preference for turning their head to one side only

- They seem very stiff or unusually floppy when picked up

- Your baby doesn’t roll by six months or sit with support by about eight months

- One arm or leg moves less than the other during play

- You notice uneven head shape from resting in one position too often

- They avoid tummy time altogether or cry excessively each time

- You’re having a hard time figuring out whether their movement is age-appropriate

Every baby moves in their own way, but if you’re not sure what’s typical or what might need checking, there’s no harm in asking for a second opinion. One parent shared that they noticed their baby always kept her hands in tight fists, even after four months. After an assessment, they found out her muscle tone just needed a bit of support, and a few sessions made a big difference in her comfort and coordination.

Benefits Of Early Movement Assessments

The earlier you understand how your baby is moving, the easier it is to support their development. Early movement assessments don’t just focus on what a baby can or can’t do. They look at how a baby does it. Is their head control comfortable? Do they shift weight easily from one side to another? Do they use both arms and legs equally? These checks can highlight patterns that may lead to challenges later if they go unnoticed.

The biggest benefit is being proactive. For example, if a baby struggles with tummy time, it might lead to delays in crawling or sitting later on. With an early assessment, small issues like stiffness or favouring one side can be addressed gently, helping your baby get back on track without added stress.

Other potential benefits include:

- Improved comfort during sleep and feeds

- Better head shape by managing how long they rest on certain spots

- More even muscle development across both sides of the body

- Easier motion switching sides when rolling or reaching

- Less frustration during play due to smoother movement

Some babies just need a little support to catch up. An assessment can help guide you on what’s normal, what’s not, and what steps, if any, to take. It’s not about labelling your baby. It’s about knowing you’re helping them feel stronger, safer, and more confident in their everyday movements.

What To Expect During A Baby Movement Assessment

Taking your baby in for a movement check doesn’t need to be intimidating. The process is actually quite relaxed and gentle. It usually begins with a chat about your baby’s general routines, birth history, and any concerns you’ve noticed at home. These conversations help give the practitioner a full picture of how your baby is going, not just physically but also behaviourally and emotionally.

Once the chat is out of the way, the actual assessment begins. Your baby may lie on a padded mat or be held in various positions while their movements, posture, muscle tone, and reactions are observed. The practitioner might gently guide their limbs or roll them from side to side, seeing how they respond. All of this is done at your baby’s pace. There’s no rush. If your baby fusses or needs a break for a cuddle or feed, that’s totally okay.

A paediatric chiropractor may use specific techniques to assess how your baby coordinates movements between different body parts. These might include:

- Tracking how their eyes follow an object

- Testing head control when held upright

- Checking weight distribution when lying on their tummy or back

- Observing symmetrical use of arms and legs

- Watching postural reflexes develop at various ages

The goal is not to get a pass or fail result. It’s to understand your baby’s unique patterns, note what might be causing discomfort or imbalance, and suggest the next steps. Sometimes, the outcome may simply be reassurance that your baby is progressing well. Other times, they may suggest gentle care or further sessions to support healthy development.

Tips For Parents After A Movement Assessment

After the visit, it’s helpful to stay consistent with any recommendations you’re given. This might include simple ways to support movement at home or changes you can make to everyday activities. The aim is to support your baby’s motor development during regular daily routines, not to create extra pressure.

Here are some things that can often support your baby after an assessment:

- Add more supervised tummy time each day, scattered throughout play

- Try switching arms regularly when carrying your baby to encourage both sides of their body

- Use soft, safe floor space for exploration instead of relying too much on seats or bouncers

- Let your baby play with toys that invite reaching, twisting, and rolling

- Keep up with follow-up appointments if suggested, even when progress is small

It can be tempting to compare your baby’s progress with others, especially if friends’ bubs are walking early or already standing. But slow steps often build stronger skills long term. One simple tip that helps many families is to build movement moments into everyday life, like singing through nappy changes or giving your baby time to stretch and wiggle freely after a nap.

Helping Your Baby Grow Through Movement

Giving your baby space, time, and the right kind of care helps shape how they move into toddlerhood and beyond. With regular check-ups and open conversations about physical patterns, you can feel more confident knowing your baby’s movement is well supported from the start.

Healthy motor development doesn’t mean chasing perfection. It’s about helping your baby feel comfortable as they explore and learn at their own pace. When small movement issues are picked up early, there’s more room for gentle support. Not just during care visits, but in everyday moments like tummy time, crawling around the lounge room, or reaching for a cuddly toy.

Staying tuned into your baby’s movement can be one of the kindest things you do for their early growth. And if anything feels a bit off, even slightly, it’s okay to trust your instincts and reach out for help. Having guidance from someone who understands baby development offers peace of mind and clearer direction, especially in those early months when everything’s still so new.

To help your baby thrive as they grow and develop, it may be helpful to book an assessment of baby movement if you're noticing anything that seems a little off. At My Family Chiro, we offer gentle, supportive care tailored to your baby’s needs so you can move forward with confidence during this important stage of life.