Early Activity System User Manual
p13
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 for later crawling.
Positioning guidelines
For back lying activities your child
should be placed on his back with
his head supported on a wedge to
encourage chin tuck. Place a roll under
his knees and smaller rolls at either
side of his chest to keep him stable.
Try to ensure that his head starts
and finishes in the midline position.
Remember this is just one positioning
example - your therapist(s) will give
you specific advice.
Activity Suggestion 1
Hold a brightly coloured object (such
as a scarf or pom-pom) about 12-15”
above baby’s face. Move the object
from left to right through a quarter
circle, then back, going slowly enough
so baby’s eyes can follow it. Make the
task a little more difficult by holding
the object 15-18” from baby’s face
and moving it through a semi-circle to
encourage head movements.
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.
