Tag Archives: Child Development

Bottles and Cups in Infant and Child Development Episode 14

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On this episode we take a look at a research study that determines what causes the most injuries to children under 3 years of age with regards to bottles, sippy cups, and pacifiers.
Then, you get an Occupational Therapists perspective on teaching kids to drink from an open cup or straw cup when transitioning from bottle drinking.

Research Study Information:
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org
Keim, Sarah A., et al. “Injuries Associated With Bottles, Pacifiers, and Sippy Cups in the United States, 1991–2010.” Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 June 2012, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/6/1104. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

See Amazon links for:
Reflo Cups: Reflo Smart Cup, Green
Take N Toss Cups: The First Years Straw Cup, Take and Toss, 10 Ounce,, 8-Count

email: [email protected]
website: https://mymidwesttherapy.com/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Child Development
Infant Development
Sensory Processing
Oral Motor
Special Needs


Take N Toss Straw Cups

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Take N Toss straw cups are great for teaching kids how to drink from a straw. You can give the cup a little squeeze and some of the liquid will come up through the straw. It is not completely spill proof, but usually only a little will spill out if it gets tipped over. They are light weight and easy for little hands to hold as well.


Reflo Smart Cup

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This cup is a great way to start teaching children to drink from an open cup with potentially less spilling than with an open cup. You can allow them to have some independence without worrying about the entire drink spilling right away if the cup tips over.
The cup has a round piece that fits down inside the cup above the liquid. It has small spaces all around the edge of the round piece that will allow liquid to easily flow out when the cup is tipped up. However, the entire amount of liquid will not pour out at once. It will flow through the spaces into a smaller stream for drinking with a more controlled flow than with just an open cup.


“W” Sitting Effect in Child Development Episode 13

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On this show, I talk about the effects of “W” sitting in child development. Whether or not to correct kids who are “W” sitting is apparently a controversial topic! However, as an Occupational Therapist in early intervention, I work with kids who have special needs or developmental and motor delays so my perspective is pretty clear. When kids have developmental or motor delays for whatever reason, they often have weakness in their core muscles (tummy, sides, and back). “W” sitting can allow this weakness to continue which could make their school aged years more difficult than they have to be.

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https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Research Article on W Sitting and Flatfoot
http://link.springer.com
Chen, Kun-Chung, et al. “Relevant factors influencing flatfoot in preschool-Aged children.” SpringerLink, Springer-Verlag, 22 Dec. 2010, link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00431-010-1380-7. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

https://consciousmovements.com
Owens, Buffy. The Brilliance of W Sitting. Conscious Movements. Web. 5/22/2017

http://ilslearningcorner.com
Primitive Reflexes: The Answer Behind W Sitting and How to Fix it. Integrated Learning Strategies Learning Corner. Web. 5/22/2017.

Flat Foot (Pes Planus)
http://www.webmd.com
Web MD. Flatfoot Pes Planus Topic Overview. Web. 5/22/2017.

Femoral Anteversion
http://www.childrenshospital.org
Boston Children’s Hospital. Femoral Anteversion Overview. Web. 5/22/2017.

Today News Story on W Sitting
http://www.today.com/
Pawlowski, A. Today. Why W Sitting is Really Not So Bad for Kids After All. Web. 5/22/2017.

Child Development
Sensory Processing
Special Needs


Gymnic Physio Balance Therapy Gym Ball 12 inch (30 cm)

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These therapy balls can be used with kids to increase their core muscle strength and endurance for sitting. 12″ size is good for toddlers, but you may want 25″(65 cm) or 36″ (75 cm) for slightly older kids. It depends on if you want their feet to be able to touch the ground or not when they are sitting on the ball. They will be able to use their feet for stability if they touch the ground, but if their feet do not touch the ground they will need to use more of their core muscles (tummy and back muscles).


Primitive Reflexes and Special Needs Episode 12

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On this show, I discuss some of the primitive reflexes we are born with or are present early in life. Specifically I talk about the following reflexes: Moro, Rooting, Palmer, ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex), Spinal Galant, and STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex).
Information on what happens when these reflexes do not become integrated at the correct age, and how this can affect kids when they get to a school age.
I share a research study on Reflexes in Kids with ADHD versus kids without ADHD. That study can be found at: http://link.springer.com

Konicarova, Jana, and Petr Bob. “Retained Primitive Reflexes and ADHD in Children.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 23 Feb. 2017, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03379591. Accessed 6 Sept. 2017.

STNR for Teachers of School Aged Kids: http://ndcbrain.com
Additional information on primitive reflexes: http://www.whattoexpect.com
ATNR Information: https://spectrumkid.com

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/

Child Development
Special Needs
Developmental Milestones
Sensory Processing


Theraband Non-Latex Resistive Bands

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As discussed in today’s show, these bands can be helpful for kids who have a difficult time sitting still in their chairs either at home or school. You can use these bands around the legs of their chair so they can hook their feet around it for extra support, or just for additional sensory input.


Tummy Time for Child Development Episode 11 Special Needs Topics

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This is Episode 11 of my podcast, but the first Episode under the new name Milestones. The previous name of this podcast was The Special Needs Podcast. The same type of material will be presented here for people interested in Child Development, topics surrounding Children with Special Needs, Sensory Processing Issues, Feeding Skills, and any other range of topics related to Child Development and Developmental Milestones.

In this Episode I discuss “tummy time” and why it is important for all babies to have tummy time regularly!

Find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/mymidwesttherapy/
Safe to Sleep Website: https://www.nichd.nih.gov
or http://www.healthychildcare.org
Positional Plagiocephaly (Flattened Head): http://kidshealth.org

Special Needs
Sensory Processing
Child Development


Sassy Tummy Time Mat

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This may can be helpful in getting your baby more interested in tummy time! It has bold colors with black and white pattern and high contrast that babies can see well. The mat also comes with a pillow that can be placed under the baby’s chest to help make tummy time a little easier. It comes with a mirror and 2 toys to help keep their interest longer and make it fun for them!


Sensory Processing for Everyone Episode 10 Special Needs Topics

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On this episode I discuss how Sensory Processing is part of every person’s daily life, but some people have more difficulty with processing sensory information than others.

Some children with special needs have difficulties with Sensory Processing and other Child Development issues.

Think about your own life, and how you handle sensory information throughout your day. What about your kids? If you see any signs that are affecting their ability to play, learn, eat, grow, or develop in some way, bring it up to your pediatrician or seek an evaluation from an early intervention program in your area.

Eye exams are important for people of all ages! Get eye exams for your kids even if there are no concerns just to make sure nothing gets missed.

Next episode #11 will have a new name: “Milestones”
The content will continue on course with what I’ve been discussing, but hopefully the broader name will catch the attention of all parents, not just those looking for information on kids with special needs.

Eye Exams for Kids: http://thinkaboutyoureyes.com
Over the Ear Headphones for Kids: Headphones

Special Needs
Sensory Processing
Child Development