When should I refer my baby to a physiotherapist?

There are certain signs in gross motor development that may require a physiotherapist evaluation:

When baby is 2 months old:

• Can't lift head or turn to the side
• Moving arms and legs very asymmetrically (one side noticeably different)

When baby is 4 months old:

• Head control is still very weak, head is falling backward
• Not bringing hands together or playing with them

When baby is 6 months old:

• Can't hold head upright when trying supported sitting
• No signs of rolling

When baby is 9 months old:

• Can't sit unsupported
• No signs of crawling or scooting

When baby is 12 months old:

• Not pulling to stand using furniture
• Hasn't developed any method (crawling, scooting, rolling) to move from one place to another

Warning signs at any age:

• Loss of a previously gained skill (for example, crawling, then suddenly stopping and only lying down)
• Noticeably using one side of the body less than the other
• Excessive muscle stiffness (difficulty separating legs when dressing) or excessive looseness (flopping like a "rag doll" when held)

If any of these signs are present, consulting a pediatric physiotherapist is worthwhile rather than waiting. Early intervention is typically much more effective.