Holiday Gifts

The EMpower PT 2023 Holiday List has arrived! You will find some repeats as well as some amazing new toys I found to help your kiddies’ sensory, motor, and social-emotional development! Follow the links where you see an underline.

Newborns to 3 months:

1) Play Mat: This is the most important item on this list, your babe NEEDS floor time at every age!

2) Wedge: Place the wedge under your 0-1.5 month old to make tummy time a little more enjoyable while their neck and back muscles develop. For extra fun, place your little one’s favorite toy at the high end of the wedge so they can practice reaching and weight shifting while on their tummy. As your kiddie gets a little older (1.5-3 months) downgrade to this boppy pillow to keep them busy forever.

2) Black and White Pictures and Baby Mirror: A mirror is a must have, first so can look at those adorable little cheeks, but also so you can motivate and encourage those eyes to begin working. Infants are sensitive to bright lights and they do not process busy patterns well yet - so keep the mirror and the black and white photos in this toy 8-12 inches from their face to help them focus, or move the toy from side to side to encourage them to turn their head. I specifically like this toy because it can be propped up to encourage your child to look upwards, rather than stare down at the floor without neck muscle and back muscle activation.

3) Exercise Ball: This one is for the parents and the infants. For the new moms out there, this is an excellent way to start working on your posture and core strength in the early days after either a vaginal or cesarean delivery. For the kiddies, this is a fun way to mix up tummy time or stretch out the tummy and neck if there is concern for tongue tie. Disclaimer: Make sure a responsible adult is holding the infant while they are on or around the exercise ball!!

4-8 Months:

1) Prop-A-Pillar: I love this one because it can be used in so many ways! Use just one layer for a tummy time boost. Use two or three layers to support the baby and your own posture during early sitting. Other toy options to make floor play more exciting!

Push Toys

Stackable Toys

Jack in the Box

2) Rattle Socks: These are just the cutest! There are straps that wrap around your kiddies’ wrists to encourage arm swatting. There are also socks with animals/rattles that encourage kicking. As your little one becomes less little (6-9 months) encourage reaching hands to toes to promote core strength and coordination.

8-12 Months:

1) Squigz: These are always a fan favorite. I actually don’t think there is a single one of my patients that don’t LOVE squigz. These stick to windows, cribs, fridges, mirrors, etc. I often use them to promote reaching in tall kneel (kneeling with their tush off their heels), pulling to stand, and reaching onto tip toes.

2) Cars: I love these and honestly they give you as good a work out as they do your kiddie. Use these as a push toy in sitting, then as your babe gets older make them crawl after them. When they are standing have them squat down to push the button. When they are even better at standing, have them push the button with one foot. The play uses are ENDLESS.

3) Fine Motor, Hand/Eye Coordination: This toy will work on pinch and release grasping, pointing, and pushing.

3) More Toys: Everyone loves these toys, they are great for shape/color/size recognition, motivation, and engaging play! Shape/Color Sorting Eggs

Piggy Bank

Balance Toys (For any age):

1) Stepping Stones: I personally love these turtle stepping stones, but any stepping stone is great! First have you little one practice stepping up onto the stone from the floor. Then progress to putting the stones in a straight line close together. As your kiddo gets stronger move the stones further away or on diagonals.

2) Cars: While standing little one to squat down and push the button. As then get stronger, have them push the button with one foot. The play uses are ENDLESS.

3) Climbing Toys: This can be used once your child learns to crawl all the way until they learn to climb stairs.

Disclaimer: EMpower PT does not financially benefit from any of your Amazon purchases. The information in this post should not replace a doctors opinion. Please consult your pediatrician or other healthcare provider.

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Schroth therapy for scoliosis and Spinal Deformities

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Stroller review by a pediatric physical therapist