Obesity is on the rise in Ireland. 1 in 4 children are now obese. Did you know that if your child is obese, they are more likely to be obese as an adult?

It is recommended that children engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day. This will also help to prevent obesity.

Another important aspect of maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is to cook. Cooking with your children teaches them good habits about food and a life skill. 

Obesity is on the rise in Ireland. Check out the statistics from safe food Ireland. They are pretty shocking!  - 1 in 4 children is overweight or obese.  - 4 in 5 children are not meeting the recommended daily activity guidelines. 

Get healthy and active with your children.

What speech should your child have by age 2?

Yoga for Kids 

Yoga is a really good activity to do with children. It has multiple benefits such as increasing strength, flexibility and improving body awareness and motor sequencing.

See the link below for some yoga poses to practice with your child. 

Ever heard of the 4th Trimester?

Ideas for tummy time from 6 months to 9 months old.

Lifting your baby up under their chest to practice “baby superman” in a more advanced way.Placing your baby over your leg for play and bringing their knees under their hips to start getting weight through their legs in this position.From 8 months onwards, helping your baby to creep over large couch cushions by placing one of your hands under your baby’s chest and the other helps at your baby’s leg to give them a little hoosh or help up.

When your child misbehaves, do you make empty threats about the consequences that they will suffer? I certainly have.

I found this link helpful as it advises a really good solution to the empty threat promise.

Breastfeeding your baby?

See the link with a video on how to know your baby is latched on properly.

Tummy Time with Your Baby: Ideas for tummy time from 3 months to 6 months old.

Using a rolled up towel or blanket under your baby’s chest which helps them lift their head more and see more around them.Lying your baby on your chest but you should try to practice this when you are lying completely flat. This makes your baby work harder to lift up their head and upper body.After your baby’s bath, you could place them on their tummy when massaging baby lotion in

What can your baby see?

A nice link on encouraging your child to wear glasses

Teaching your child to ride a bicycle.

Safety First:

Make sure your child wears a helmet.Make sure your child wears a reflective jacket so they are easily seen.Elbow and knee pads are also useful to minimise bumps and bruises.Gloves may also be useful to protect little hands in the event of a fall.A small-sized children’s bicycle. The bicycle must be small enough so that the child can reach the ground with the saddle adjusted all the way down.

Adjustments:

Check the bike and make sure everything is in working order.This includes the brakes!! When you pull the brakes the brake pads should make sufficient contact with the rim of the wheels when the brake levers are engaged.Remove both pedals

Balance:

Adjust the seat so that it is all the way down and your child can touch the ground with his/her feet.Your child should start off sitting on the bike and just pushing along with his/her feet.Once your child has mastered this, progress on to giving your child a wee push and encouraging them to lift his/her feet off the ground.You could also find a gentle sloping road where your child can coast downhill at a safe speed. This will help your child get used to the feeling of balancing the bike when it is in motion.Once your child has mastered this, then encourage steering skills so that your child gets used to steering the bike in different directions.Remove the training wheels.

Next Stage - Propulsion

Fit the pedals back on the bike and then gently push just enough to get the momentum going for your child to place their feet and start pedalling.Practicing on grass or a similar soft surface can help as this will help to cushion any falls.Do not hold the handlebar while he/she is riding because it will prevent him/her from feeling being balanced.Encourage your child to be as relaxed as possible and not to grip too tightly as this will result in tension building in your child’s body.Let your child develop a leading foot to know which to start off with.Your child will be begin slowly at first and will need support and encouragement from you. Aiming for 3 or 4 pedal revolutions is a realistic goal.During this time, monitor your child’s progress. You will need to see if the saddle needs adjustment but always make sure at this learning stage that your child can reach the ground with his/her feet.  Raising the saddle can improve steering, especially if the bike is small for him/her.Once your child is comfortable with propelling forward by pedalling, s/he will usually figure out very quickly how to start pedalling from a stationary position without the need for someone to hold the bike upright for them.Praise, praise and praise always helps!

Swimming is a brilliant activity to do with your child. Not only is swimming an important life skill but there are multiple benefits to swimming which include building strength, endurance, co-ordination and fitness.  Plus its FUN.

See the link below on water safety tips for parents.

It is recommended a child engages in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day. Lead by example by doing the activities with your child. 

Check out this link of for fun ideas to do as a family.

Using a Highchair with your baby – tips on helping you to choose a suitable highchair and helping to position your baby correctly.

The current recommended age to start weaning a bottle fed baby is 17 weeks of age and 6 months if your baby is exclusively breast fed.

A highchair is a very useful piece of equipment to start using with your baby from 4.5 months of age as long as you take into account the following tips:

Choose a suitably supportive highchair for the age of your child and how good your baby’s head and trunk control is. The younger you want to start using a high chair with your baby, generally the more supportive and adjustable the highchair should be.If you are planning to use a highchair when your baby is 4.5 months, it should have a 5 point harness, be well padded, come up behind your baby’s head and have at least 2 adjustable seating positions/levels of reclineSee some examples below:

Graco Highchair   

Fisher Price Highchair  

Mamas & Papas Highchair

The manufacturers recommend use of these highchairs from approximately 6 months of age but they can be used with a younger baby as long as you start off nice and slowly.Use the 5 point harness with your baby and make sure the straps are nice and secure. When your child is secured in the highchair, check the straps are tight enough by placing your index and middle finger together and sliding them flat between your baby’s chest and the straps (see video below).Start off sitting your baby at the most reclined level of the highchair.Monitor your baby for signs of fatigue which are your baby starting to lean to the side or tilt their head to the side or their head falls forward.You can use a rolled up cellular blanket to help keep your baby in an upright position (see video below). If you use a cellular blanket to assist your baby’s position in the highchair, always monitor your baby’s core temperature for signs of over heating.As you use your highchair more with your baby, your baby’s head and trunk control will improve and you can start to increase the incline level and the length of time that your baby uses the highchair for.Other uses for your highchair besides feeding: for developing head and trunk control, for fine motor play (playing with toys on the tray), participation in family activities such as when you are having your own meals even before weaning your baby onto solids.

Highchairs that have a 3 point harness or pelvic support only and just go to the level of your baby’s upper/mid back can be used with your baby when they are older and have achieved a very good level of head and trunk control. This is usually when your child can sit safely and independently on the floor on a play mat – typically between 9-12 months of age. Some examples of these highchairs are:

Ikea Highchair  

Stokke Highchair

If you are unsure if your baby has enough head and trunk control to start using a highchair at 4.5 months of age, it is always advisable to seek professional advice such as from your Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapist.

If you are unsure if your baby has enough head and trunk control to start using a highchair at 4.5 months of age, it is always advisable to seek professional advice such as from your Chartered Paediatric Physiotherapist.

As a Children's Physiotherapist, I am asked all the time by parents about equipment to use with their baby to promote development. The most important piece of equipment to invest in with your baby to promote milestone development is a good floor mat and give your baby lots of opportunity to play on the floor.

See the link below for equipment that health professionals would prefer if parents did not use and why. 

Tummy Time with Your Baby

Tummy time is a really important activity to practice with your baby. This position can be started straight away as a birth.

A lovely position is to for you to lie down on a slight incline and lie your baby on top of your chest as shown in the picture below. This can really help to settle your baby as being close to you, they can feel your heart beat and know your smell which helps to settle your baby.

What are the benefits of doing tummy time with your baby?

It helps with development of head control and developing strong muscles in your baby’s neck, shoulders, arms and back.By practicing tummy time with your baby, it helps get them strong in this position and so they are more likely to crawl than bottom shuffle.It helps to develop balance and co-ordination and works both sides of the body.Tummy time helps in the development of vision and hand-eye co-ordination.Tummy time reduces the risk of positional plagiocephaly (baby developing a flat area on their head)Tummy time should be carried out often during the day when your baby is settled and alert.

Important tips to remember when practicing tummy time with your baby:

Tummy time is always a supervised position. Never leave your baby alone in this position.Remember tummy time for play and always place your baby on their back for sleep.It is a good idea to wait at least one hour after feeding your baby before doing tummy time to help avoid the vomiting.Use distraction to try and keep your baby in the tummy time position for longer. Lie in front of your baby, use musical toys, rattles and mirrors to entertain your baby while they do tummy timeRemember: Your baby may be unsettled in this position to start off with, but the more they practice the easier it gets!!!

Your baby’s development between 4 & 8 months old:

4-5 months:

Your baby will start to reach for his knees and then his feet whilst on his back. Your baby will start to roll from her back to her side. When your baby is on her tummy she will start to do swimming (lifting arms and legs off the mat) and also may start to move from side to side to get toys. Your baby’s head and trunk control is improving in sitting and he may just need some help around his pelvis to hold this position. Your baby will take weight when held in supported standing. Your baby will reach for toys now and also start to pass them from one hand to the other.

6-8 months old.

Your baby will start to lift his head while lying on his back. Your baby will also start to roll from her back to her tummy and her tummy to her back during this time. When your baby is on his tummy, he will be able to push through his hands to lift up his trunk on straight arms and easily pivot from side to side. Your baby will start to sit for momentary periods during this time and get better in sitting over this time. Your baby will enjoy doing supported standing for short periods and may bounce at his hips and knees. Your baby will start increasing the variety of toys she can hold and start to bang toys together. She will also respond to her self in the mirror. Your baby will start to chat more and make singing noises.

Give your baby plenty of time to play on the floor in a safe environment as this is the best way you can help your baby achieve their milestones. 

Remember every child develops differently. If you feel that your child has not reached a stage, most likely there is no need for alarm. If you are concerned about how your child is developing, please contact your Paediatric Physiotherapist or a qualified health professional and they will be able to advise you. 

Play is really important for your child's overall development. Interesting link below about the benefits of play.

Prevent your baby developing Plagiocephaly (a flat spot on their head).

Five tips to help prevent your baby developing Plagiocephaly.

When holding your baby for feeding, carrying, lifting and so on, try to alternate the hands that you hold your baby in. This will encourage them to turn their head in different directions either to look out at the world around them or to snuggle into you.Limit the time your baby spends in equipment such as carry cot travel systems, bouncers and so on. When your baby is in equipment, ensure that their head and neck is not falling to the side.When playing with your baby, alternate the side on which you approach them from. Your baby knows your voice and will want to look in your direction. When your baby has not fully developed the ability to turn their head (under 6 weeks old), help them to turn their head by cupping their head in your hand and gently turning them to face you.

If you are concerned your baby is developing a head preference or flat spot on their head, please consult a health professional such as your Public Health Nurse, GP or Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Paediatrics (Children’s) Physiotherapy.

Watch this video...really lovely.

The weather is glorious but it makes sleeping at night hard as you tend to be too hot. If you're hot then so is your baby/child.

The link below gives some good tips on how to keep your child cool at night time.

Your baby’s developmental milestones from 0-3 months:

Newborn:

Your baby will only move his arms and legs and will not yethave the strength to move his head and body yet whilst on his back. His legs and arms will be bent and mostly pulled up in close to his body. When you place your baby on her tummy, she will turn her head to one side and her bottom will be humped upwards. Her legs and arms will be bent and tucked under her body. In sitting your baby will need full support at his head and neck.

1-2 months:

Your baby will bend and straight her arms when on her back. When placed on her side, your baby will be able to roll onto her back. When your baby is on his tummy he will be able to lift his head and shoulders off the ground, using his arms to support himself. Your baby’s head control will improve in sitting also and she will need support around her upper back to help her with her head control. Your baby will start to follow toys with eyes during this time and start smiling.

3 months:

Your baby will start to bring his hands to meet each other and to his mouth when he is on his back. He will also be able to hold his head in the middle while on his back. Your baby will start to lift her head and arms when doing tummy time. In supported sitting, your baby will now only need support around the middle of his trunk. Your baby will hold a light rattle for brief periods and will also bat out at toys on a baby gym. Your baby will start to make friendly noises when you are speaking with her.

Remember every child develops differently. If you feel that your child has not reached a stage, most likely there is no need for alarm. If you are concerned about how your child is developing, please contact your Paediatric Physiotherapist or a qualified health professional and they will be able to advise you. 

Plagiocephaly or Flat Head Syndrome.

Positional Plagiocpehaly is a condition that affects the skull. It makes the back or side of your baby’s head appear flat. It is sometimes called “Flat Head”.

What Causes it?

When a baby is born, their skull is soft and has not fused yet. The skull fuses between 12 and 18 months of age. The shape of the skull can be altered by pressure on it, causing it to appear flattened during this period of time.

Since the introduction of the Back to Sleep program to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the number of babies with plagiocephaly has increased. This is because babies are spending much of their early lives lying on their backs while sleeping, being carried or in car seats.

Head Preference

Some babies have a tendency to turn their heads to one direction more easily during the first few months of life. If these babies develop positional plagiocephaly it will affect the side of the back of the head that he or she always lies on.

How can you help prevent plagiocephaly with your baby?

At each nap and sleep time, alternate your baby’s head from side to side. For example tonight turn your baby’s head to the right. Tomorrow night, turn your baby’s head to the left.

Begin tummy time from birth. Tummy time helps to develop head and trunk control and also offers your baby a position that there is no pressure on the back of your baby’s head. Remember: Tummy time is always a supervised position.

Think about your baby’s environment and your handling of your baby. You should alternate hands that you hold and feed your baby in, approach your baby from both sides and offer equal stimulus to your baby from both the right and the left.

Important Points to Remember:

Always place baby to sleep on their back – even for nap timeThe benefit of reducing cot death or SIDS far outweighs any dangers due to positional plagiocephalyBabies should start supervised tummy time from birth.

If you have any concerns about your baby's head shape, you should consult with your PHN or Paediatric Physiotherapist. 

I am delighted to announce a new addition to our Paediatric Physiotherapy team, Eilis Kinsella. Fun Physio for Kids now has three specialist children's physiotherapists. Eilis qualified with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Degree in Physiotherapy in 2012. Eilis is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. She initially worked with adults but commenced her specialisation in Paediatrics in 2014. She is currently working in Enable Ireland, services.  Eilis has been with us now for 2 months and is already a very valuable member of the Fun Physio for Kids team. 

Prevent your baby developing Plagiocephaly (a flat spot on their head).

Five tips to help prevent your baby developing Plagiocephaly.

When holding your baby for feeding, carrying, lifting and so on, try to alternate the hands that you hold your baby in. This will encourage them to turn their head in different directions either to look out at the world around them or to snuggle into you.Limit the time your baby spends in equipment such as carry cot travel systems, bouncers and so on. When your baby is in equipment, ensure that their head and neck is not falling to the side.When playing with your baby, alternate the side on which you approach them from. Your baby knows your voice and will want to look in your direction. When your baby has not fully developed the ability to turn their head (under 6 weeks old), help them to turn their head by cupping their head in your hand and gently turning them to face you.

If you are concerned your baby is developing a head preference or flat spot on their head, please consult a health professional such as your Public Health Nurse, GP or Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Paediatrics (Children’s) Physiotherapy.

What can your baby see?

A nice link on encouraging your child to wear glasses

Finding Tummy Time with your baby a challenge? Here are some tips for tummy time with your baby aged 0-3 months.

Tummy time is a really important activity to practice with your baby. This position can be started straight away as a birth. A lovely position is to for you to lie down on a slight incline and lie your baby on top of your chest as shown in the picture below. This can really help to settle your baby as being close to you, they can feel your heart beat and know your smell which helps to settle your baby.

What are the benefits of doing tummy time with your baby?

It helps with development of head control and developing strong muscles in your baby’s neck, shoulders, arms and back.By practicing tummy time with your baby, it helps get them strong in this position and so they are more likely to crawl than bottom shuffle.It helps to develop balance and co-ordination and works both sides of the body.Tummy time helps in the development of vision and hand-eye co-ordination.Tummy time reduces the risk of positional plagiocephaly (baby developing a flat area on their head)Tummy time should be carried out often during the day when your baby is settled and alert.

Important tips to remember when practicing tummy time with your baby:

Remember tummy time for play and always place your baby on their back for sleep.It is a good idea to wait at least one hour after feeding your baby before doing tummy time to help avoid the vomiting.Use distraction to try and keep your baby in the tummy time position for longer. Lie in front of your baby, use musical toys, rattles and mirrors to entertain your baby while they do tummy timeRemember: Your baby may be unsettled in this position to start off with, but the more they practice the easier it gets!!!

How much activity should my child be doing every day?

How much physical activity do children need?

Children and teenagers should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. This sounds like a lot but every bit of physical activity counts.

Active play – hide and seek, dancing to music, jumping around.Active treats – going to the playground, park or swimming pool.Active travel –  walk or cycle instead of taking a car or bus.Organised activities – hurling, football, gymnastics, karate, swimming.

How can I help my child get active?

Be active yourself and also join in with your children. Adults need to be active too.

Make physical activity part of your family’s routine such as taking family walks or playing active games together.Allow your child to explore different activities so they find out what they like.Encourage your child to be active in their free timeLimit the amount of screen time (TV/computer/tablet) your child has. Set daily and weekly limits.Don’t let the weather interfere – swap outdoor activities for indoor ones or wrap up in suitable clothing

3 Types of Physical Activity

Your child or teenager should be doing a variety of activities which include aerobic activity, muscle strengthening & flexibility and bone strengthening.

Aerobic activity:

2-3 times a week for at least 20 minutes at a moderate or vigorous intensity.

Examples include cycling, PE class, dancing, running, sports such as Gaelic football, hurling/camogie, soccer, rugby, tennis.

Muscle Strengthening & Flexibility:

Include muscle strengthening activities at least 3 times per week.Examples include climbing walls, skipping, jumping, gymnastics, martial arts.

Bone Strengthening:

Include bone strengthening activities at least 3 times per week.Examples include running, jumping, hopping, skipping, sports such as basketball, netball, hockey.

How do I know my child’s activity is moderate or vigorous intensity?

Moderate activity:

heart is beating faster than normal, breathing is harder than normalexamples of moderate intensity activities are cycling, brisk walking, PE class, dancing, games of catching and throwing.

  Vigoro​us activity:

heart is beating much faster than normal and breathing is much harder than normal.Examples of vigorous intensity activities include running, chasing, karate, vigorous dancing, fast paced sports such as Gaelic football, hurling/camogie, rugby, soccer, swimming, tennis.

A practical example of intensity levels is if you child is walking to school with friends, he or she is doing moderate intensity aerobic activity. But after school when playing chasing on the green or in a park, he or she is probably doing vigorous-intensity activity.

Introducing Fun Physio for Kids.

Fun Physio for Kids is a Physiotherapy service just for Children provided by Chartered Physiotherapists who specialise in Paediatric (Children's) Physiotherapy.

Play is one of a child's main occupations so all of our sessions are carried out in a fun, engaging and interactive way with your child. 

Why Should you choose a Specialist Children's Physiotherapist and Why choose Fun Physio for Kids?    

You expect the best treatment for your child and that is what we can offer. We have expert knowlege of typical child development. We have the skills and experience in treating conditions that affect children.

We know not to rush your child, we know that your child needs time to settle with the therapist treating them. If your child to does not want to do something in a session ; we find another way to do the activity so that the physiotherapy session is a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. We have the knowledge of how best to engage your child so that we get the best from a treatment session. 

What conditions to we treat:

We treat all Paediatric conditions. Due to our wide range of experience and expertise in both the hospital and community setting, we have direct "hands on" experience of treating a huge variety of Paediatric conditions. 

A sample of some of the conditions we treat:

developmental delayplagiocephaly ( misshapen head)torticollis ("wry" neck)balance and co-ordintination difficulties, DCD.concerns regarding your child's walking pattern - intoeing and flat feethypermobilityneurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and Traumatic Brain Injury.musculoskeletal conditions such as Osgood Schlatter's, Plantar Fasciitis, Back pain, Sports injuries.

We provide clinic sessions in Esker Physiotherapy Clinic, 3 Dodsboro Road, Lucan, Co Dublin. We also provide home visit sessions for children who benefit from sessions carried out in their own home. 

Contact us for more information or to book an appoinment:

Karen: 087 9043585

Karen Kinsella Founder, Owner and Paediatric Physiotherapist 

Karen is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and has specialised in Paediatric Physiotherapy.

Karen has expert knowledge, training and expertise in assessing and treating children and has also completed specialist paediatric courses.

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Máiréad is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and has specialised in Paediatric Physiotherapy.

Máiréad has a keen interest in sport and exercise and is a firm believer in the benefits and promotion of physical activity from a young age.

 provides physiotherapy specifically for babies, children and young adults in Dublin and some areas of Kildare, Meath and Louth . We are Chartered Physiotherapists who have specialist knowledge, training and experience in Paediatric (Children's) Physiotherapy.