Early Activity System User Manual
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exploring her environment and looking
around.
Transitions
Rolling is the skill which enables a child
to move from back lying into tummy
lying. It develops in two stages. Some
children with developmental delay
“log roll” - their whole body moves
as one piece. The aim is to develop
“segmental rolling” - when the head
turns first, followed by the shoulders,
then trunk, hips, legs and feet. This
rotation of the trunk is an important
building block for the movements
needed later for crawling.
Positioning guidelines
Place a small roll or wedge under your
child’s chest. Support her whole body
so her trunk and legs are stable. Use
the pelvic positioning strap to stabilise
her pelvis if required. Remember this
is just one positioning example - your
therapist(s) will give you specific
advice.
Activity Suggestion 1
Encourage your child to lift his head
up – use a favourite toy to motivate
him. To make this a little more difficult,
try moving the toy slowly from side to
side, so baby has to turn his head to
follow it.
Most activities can incorporate a
sensory component with a little
thought to the toy or the surface
used. Use rattles, squeaky toys,
brightly coloured balls, crackly
paper etc to encourage baby’s
vision, hearing and sensation. If
your baby will tolerate it, let her
carry out her activity sessions in
her vest to allow the maximum
amount of sensory feedback
possible. Your occupational
therapist can advise you best
about your baby’s sensory
tolerance.
