@just4kidsphysio: Let's Talk about Protective Reactions!! ⭐️Protective Reactions help us catch ourselves when we fall over. As we fall forwards or sideways we will put out our arms to break our fall. Some babies need to be "taught" how to do this if you find they are a bit delayed or they have weaker upper extremities ✔️I also use this protective reaction as an exercise to help strengthen babies upper extremities: shoulders, triceps and chest muscles and their neck extensors ✔️Make sure to try this exercise on a soft surface like an exercise ball ( in the video). If your baby doesn't "catch" themselves then no harm-they will gently hit their head or chest on a soft ball ✔️Start by supporting your baby higher up on the chest to help unweight their arms. Test out the exercise to see how they react and how strong they are 🔹 If your baby is struggling- hold them higher up on the chest and only hold the exercise for a few seconds 🔹If your baby is finding it easy- hold your baby lower down near the waist and have them hold the position and look up at a toy for longer periods ⭐️⭐️For more tips and tricks for gross motor play exercises for your baby please check out my book: The Infant Mobility Manual in my linktree #momlife #allthingsbaby #Pediatric physiotherapy #babydevelopment #developmentalmilestones #8monthsold #9monthsold #10monthsold #pedipt #kidsphysio #grossmotorskills #newmama #firstyear #7monthsold #6monthsold #armstrength #babyarms
