Coral Currents Episode 11: Motor Development in the First Year

One of the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking!) parts of working with infants is watching motor development unfold in that critical first year. In Episode 11 of Coral Currents, I sat down once again with Mary Elizabeth Parker, pediatric physical therapist, to explore what providers should be looking for and how we can best support babies and families during this foundational time.

Mary Elizabeth reminded us that while motor development follows an age-related process, it isn’t strictly age-dependent. Babies hit milestones at different times, and what matters most is observing quality of movement and addressing red flags early. She emphasized that even subtle asymmetries—a baby who favors one side, struggles to track their head evenly, or kicks with only one leg—can signal something worth investigating.

A key theme of our conversation was early intervention. Waiting to “see if things resolve” can mean missing crucial windows of opportunity. As Mary Elizabeth put it, the earlier we identify and treat issues like torticollis or brachial plexus injury, the better the long-term outcomes.

We also dug into practical strategies for supporting families. The good news: you don’t need fancy equipment. A rolled towel, a boppy pillow, or simply a caregiver’s lap can provide the positioning support babies need for tummy time, rolling practice, or midline play. What matters most is giving babies time out of “containers” and onto the floor.

Collaboration across disciplines also came up again and again. A baby with low tone may struggle with feeding, making OT or SLP involvement just as critical as PT. As providers, we need to be open-eyed and team-oriented, ensuring that families get the right support at the right time.

Finally, we discussed caregiver education. Mary Elizabeth’s advice? Keep it simple: offer two or three concrete strategies, demonstrate them, and invite caregivers to try when they’re ready. Meeting families where they are—without overwhelming them—is essential.

If you’re a pediatric provider, this episode is packed with insights you can put into practice immediately. From spotting red flags to empowering parents with easy, everyday strategies, Mary Elizabeth’s expertise shines a light on how we can all play a role in setting infants up for healthy development.

Listen to the full conversation on Coral Currents to hear more practical tips and real-world examples.