Using Your Daytot Joey: 2 Bonus Movements

For the sake of this article there are a few terms to clarify: “early development” means motor skill development in the infant stages and skills like tummy time, rolling and sitting. “Daycare” is a childcare setting where multiple children are being taken care of at once and the center is not owned locally. The “Daytot Joey” is the best way to level up your baby’s early developmental skills - especially to prepare for crawling!

Here’s 2 movements recommended by myself, Dr. Kelsey, a board certified doctor of physical therapy who specializes in the early intervention population. The key to maximizing time in the “Daytot Joey” is increasing our coordination of our trunk, shoulder and pelvic girdle - all nerdy medical words, I know, but let me explain:

Sidelying Play: with your baby learning new positions and where their body is in space all the muscles are working if they are laying on their side during play. Baby’s back can be against the couch or your leg if they are playing on the floor.

• Encourage laying on both sides - some babies even like to be carried around with their faces out to the world and laying on their side.

Pelvic Tilt’s: this is when your baby tucks their bottom and brings their feet up towards their hands. For babies that are working hard to strengthen their core/belly during play this can be tough and new to them. Here are some tips:

• During diaper changes: after a diaper change tuck their bottom and help them briefly touch their feet. They will be looking down towards your face anyways which will help!
• During play: fold a swaddling blanket or towel and place under their hips to make it easier for them to grasp their feet.

These are not a “one size fits all” prescription but using these 2 movements can definitely increase how ready your baby’s muscles are once they are in the Daytot Joey. Happy playing!

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Kelsey is a doctor of physical therapy who works with mama’s and their babies in their homes. She uses a coaching style to empower mama to support her babies motor development without stress or guilt. And focuses on mama’s pelvic health during pregnancy and the postpartum journey - with less leakage and pain. Kelsey is a working mama of two under 5 so she understands the transition back to the office and the exhaustion of pumping, feeding and the desire to still nurture your dreams and ambitions. She looks forward to helping you and your little one explore and stay mobile during whatever adventures you seek! You can connect with Kelsey on Instagram @the.mobility.project