4
2. POSITIONING THE CHILD (Cont.)
Side Lying (Fig.2d)
Encourages
•
hands together, and lifting head
against gravity.
Beginning
•
of pushing up into sitting.
NESSIE’s
•
arm between child’s legs reduces
crossing over of legs ‘adductor tightness’.
Side sitting (Fig.2e)
Follows
•
on from Side Lying.
Improves
•
shoulder girdle development.
Encourages
•
child to ‘cross midline’ i.e., twist
around.
Crawling ‘On all 4’s’ (Fig.2f)
Crawling
•
Position supports physical
development because children are supporting
their body weight against gravity, strengthening
muscles which may be used for movement
later on.
Encourages
•
development of shoulder and
pelvic girdle and hip joint development.
Sitting ‘Straddle’ or Horse Riding Position (Fig.2g)
Supports
•
cognitive development by introducing
a lordosis.
Supports
•
sensory development as hands are
free and able to play.
This
•
position encourages a lordosis, and weight
bearing through feet, knees and hips.
This is the most demanding position and may
need support at pelvis from therapist / family.
Fig.2e
Fig.2f
Fig.2g
Fig.2d
