Supporting Your Baby’s Development: Signs It Might Be Time to Check In with an Occupational Therapist

Trust Your Instincts and Know What to Look For

Every baby is unique. Some love tummy time right away; others cry the moment they're placed on their belly. Some take to solid foods eagerly, while others gag or spit everything out. While differences in development are often normal, there are times when a baby’s behaviors, however subtle, might suggest that a bit of extra support could be beneficial.
As pediatric occupational therapists who specialize in infants from birth to 12 months, we help families every day navigate feeding, motor milestones, sensory responses, and more. If something feels “off” or you’re just unsure, you’re not alone and you’re not overreacting. This guide is here to empower you with knowledge and insight, so you can confidently support your baby’s development.

What Is Occupational Therapy (OT) for Infants?

Occupational therapy (OT) for infants focuses on the foundational skills babies need for healthy development in their first year. These include:

• Gross motor skills (e.g., head control, rolling, sitting, crawling)
• Oral motor skills (e.g., sucking, swallowing, chewing)
• Sensory processing (how a baby responds to touch, movement, sound, and more)
• Muscle tone and motor coordination (essential for posture, movement, and feeding)
• Feeding routines and transitions (breast/bottle feeding and early solids)

Through play-based, developmentally appropriate therapy, OTs help babies grow more comfortable in their bodies, strengthen motor patterns, and participate in daily routines with greater ease.

Why Early Intervention Matters

During the first 12 months, your baby’s brain and body are forming critical connections every single day. Delays or difficulties in one area can impact development in others-for example, poor head control might affect feeding, or feeding struggles may affect growth and bonding. The good news is babies are incredibly adaptable. With early intervention, we can often resolve or significantly improve challenges with far less stress - for both baby and caregivers. You don’t need to wait for your pediatrician to raise concerns. If your intuition says something isn’t quite right, you deserve to have those concerns addressed.

10 Signs Your Baby Would Benefit from Occupational Therapy

1. Your Baby Seems Behind on Gross Motor Milestones: Every baby is different, but consistent delays may need attention. Examples include:

• Head still floppy at 3-4 months
• Not rolling by 6 months
• Difficulty sitting unsupported by 8 months
• Not crawling or scooting by 9-10 months

*How OT Helps: We assess movement patterns, provide strategies to build strength and coordination, and coach parents on fun, engaging activities to try at home.

2. Your Baby Has a Head Turn Preference or Tilt: If your baby consistently favors one side or has a noticeable head tilt, this could indicate torticollis - a muscular condition that can also contribute to flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly).

• Head always turned to one side during sleep or play
• Uneven facial features
• Flat spots on the skull

*How OT Helps: Gentle stretching, repositioning, and strengthening through play can make a big difference. We also help with adjusting car seat, feeding, and sleep positions.

3. Feeding Is Stressful, Painful or Inconsistent: Feeding challenges are one of the most common early signs of motor or sensory differences.

• Trouble latching or staying latched
• Leaking milk from the sides of the mouth
• Arching, pulling away, or appearing distressed during feeding
• Gagging or vomiting with early solids
• Bottle refusal

*How OT Helps: We look at oral motor coordination, jaw and tongue function, and sensory factors. We collaborate with lactation consultants, feeding specialists, and pediatricians to make feeding more effective and enjoyable.

4. Baby Seems Too Stiff or Too Floppy: This may be an early sign of low or high muscle tone (hypotonia or hypertonia), which can affect motor development.

• Baby feels like they “melt” when picked up or, conversely, resists movement
• Legs or arms stay tightly extended, or fists remain clenched beyond 3 months
• Avoids bearing weight on hands or legs

*How OT Helps: We create customized movement programs to support healthy muscle tone, build stability, and lay the foundation for motor milestones.

5. Baby Avoids Tummy Time or Cries During Movement: Some babies really struggle with transitions like tummy time or being placed on their back.

• Screaming during tummy time despite repeated attempts
• Stiffening, arching, or difficulty calming after changes in position
• Startling easily during diaper changes, bath time, or movement-based play

*How OT Helps: We identify sensory processing or motor factors contributing to discomfort and offer baby-friendly techniques to build comfort and success with movement.

6. Limited Use of Hands or One Side of the Body

• Baby doesn’t bring hands to mouth or midline by 3 months
• Uses one hand significantly more than the other
• Doesn't reach, grasp, or explore with both hands

*How OT Helps: Early asymmetries may impact play, feeding, and motor development. OT can promote bilateral coordination and body awareness through simple, playful routines.

7. Baby Has Trouble Calming or Regulating

• Easily overstimulated by lights, sounds, or textures
• Hard to settle after crying
• Frequent startle responses or difficulty with sleep transitions

*How OT Helps: We support sensory regulation through calming strategies, routines, and sensory-friendly environments, which helps improve feeding, sleep, and play.

8. You’ve Noticed Feeding or Movement Is Becoming a Struggle: Sometimes everything seems to be going fine...until it isn’t. Even if your baby was feeding or moving well earlier, new challenges may arise with growth spurts or transitions (e.g., starting solids, rolling over, teething).

*How OT Helps: We support dynamic development and help babies adjust to new skills and demands in real time.

9. Baby Seems Disconnected or Disinterested in Play

• Rarely makes eye contact or engages with toys
• Doesn’t respond to sounds, smiles, or your voice as expected
• Prefers to be left alone or seems passive during play

*How OT Helps: While these may be early signs of sensory or regulatory differences, they could also relate to other developmental factors. OT can help increase engagement through sensory-rich, relationship-based interaction.

10. You Just Feel Like Something Is Off

Your concerns are valid. Even if you can’t name a specific delay, if your intuition says your baby needs a little extra support, it's worth listening.

*How OT Helps: A comprehensive developmental screen can give you clarity, reassurance, and tools to support your baby’s growth with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Awareness Is Empowerment
The goal of this post isn’t to spark fear - it’s to give you clarity, confidence, and options. Early occupational therapy is not about labeling babies; it’s about helping them - and you - navigate early challenges with the right tools and support.

If any of these signs resonated with you, or if you’re simply curious about your baby’s development, reach out to an infant occupational therapist in your area. A short screening or consultation could provide valuable insight - and peace of mind.

Need Help Getting Started?
If you’re looking for guidance or an evaluation for your baby, we're here to help. We specialize in supporting infants with:

• Feeding challenges (breast/bottle/solids)
• Gross and fine motor delays
• Torticollis and head shape concerns
• Sensory processing and self-regulation
• Neuromuscular conditions like hypotonia or cerebral palsy

Let’s partner together to support your baby’s unique path to growth and success!