Physiotherapy

Here are simple, effective exercises to help babies with developmental delay improve rolling-turning skills. These activities focus on core strength, midline control, weight-shifting, and sensory motivation. ⸻ ✅ Exercises to Improve Turning -Rolling in Developmental Delay 1. Side-lying Play (Foundation Exercise) • Place the baby on their side with a rolled towel behind the back. • Keep toys at eye level. • Encourages midline hand use, and makes rolling easier. • Do 3–5 minutes each side. ⸻ 2. Tummy-to-Side Rolling Assistance • Place baby on the tummy. • Hold one leg gently and help them bend the knee. • Guide the hip slightly and slowly help them roll toward the side. • This teaches the body sequence for rolling. ⸻ 3. Back-to-Side Rolling With Toy Motivation • Place baby on their back. • Hold a bright-noisy toy on one side. • Encourage them to reach across midline. • When they reach across, they naturally roll toward that side. ⸻ 4. Hip Shifting Exercise (Important for Rolling Initiation) • With the baby lying on the back, gently tilt their hips side-to-side. • Helps them feel weight-shift and improves core activation. ⸻ 5. Crossing the Midline Reaching • Use favourite toy or light rattle. • Move it from left to right slowly. • When the baby follows and reaches, they initiate body turning and trunk rotation. ⸻ 6. Assisted Log Roll • Lay the baby on their back. • Gently guide their shoulder and hip together to help roll like a log. • Do 3–5 repetitions to both sides. ⸻ 7. Tummy Time Over a Pillow • Place a small pillow or rolled bedsheet under the chest. • This lifts the baby, helping them turn more easily. • Encourages pushing, weight-bearing and trunk strength. ⸻ 8. Using a Soft Ball -Therapy Ball • Place the baby on their tummy over the ball. • Slowly tilt the ball side-to-side. • Helps with balance reactions and rolling initiation. ⸻ 9. Reaching for Feet Activity • While on the back, encourage baby to hold their feet. • Improves abdominal activation needed for rolling. ⸻ 10. Vibration -Sensory Stimulation Before Rolling • Use a soft vibratory toy on hands, feet, and tummy. • Increases body awareness → helps initiate movement. ⸻ 🔎 Tips for Better Progress • Practice 2–3 times daily, 5–7 minutes each session. • Avoid forcing – give time for the baby to try. • Use colourful toys, music, bubbles, gentle touch. • Always practice both sides equally. • Stop if baby cries or stiffens. ⸻