🦷 Toothbrushing tips from a pediatric OT: ✅ Yes, it’s okay if you need to gently hold their arms to brush those teeth! We do it sometimes, but I try to find ways to go without to make it POSITIVE as much as possible! ✅ Let baby hold the toothbrush and bring it to their own mouth first to get them used to it. Then after you brush their teeth, give it back to them! Try to give them as much control as possible. ✅ Sing a song and/or use sound effects to keep it fun! We like to say “CHH CHH CHH” and my son loves it! ✅ Be adaptable and try something new when needed. Right now my son is obsessed with my mouth, so letting him touch my teeth is a huge motivator for him. ✅ Use a mirror if needed. Getting baby in front of a mirror can help them see what’s going on and make it more enjoyable for them. 👋🏼 hi! I’m Marissa. I’m a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in early intervention (birth-3). I help families support their baby’s development in ways that are easy to manage within their routines and simple to set up. Disclaimer: this is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice of any kind. #pediatricot #firsttimemom #occupationaltherapy #babyhacks #earlyintervention #baby #babiestiktok #momsoftiktok #momtok #momsover30 #toothbrush #babytoothbrush

Motor skills are taking off 🛫 and it’s so fun to watch your little one grow! 7-9 month MOTOR milestones 1. Sits unsupported 2. Can reach for toys in sitting without falling 3. Can bring themselves up into a sitting position 4. Pincer grasp (8-9 months) 5. Creeps or crawls (crawling = army crawling, creeping = hands and knees crawling) 6. Imitates simple movements How do I know if my baby needs early intervention services? Talk to your pediatrician if your baby: * Does not make eye contact or look to you when you talk to them. * Does not look for objects that you hide during games. * Does not reach for toys or seem interested in playing. * Does not sit on their own. * Uses one side of the body more than the other. 👋🏼 hi! I’m Marissa. I’m a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in early intervention (birth-3). I help families support their baby’s development in ways that are easy to manage within their routines and simple to set up. #pediatricot #occupationaltherapy #firsttimemom #firsttimemama #childdevelopment #developmentalmilestones #babymilestones #7monthsold #8monthsold #9monthsold #baby #motormilestones #motorskills #momsoftiktok #regularmomtok

Love these Alphabet Dinosaurs as a pediatric OT 💕 #pediatricot #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #finemotorskills #finemotoractivity #kindergartentips #kindergartenactivities #toddleractivities #firsttimemom

Sitting independently is a developmental milestone that typically occurs between 6-9 months of age. If your baby is in that range and working on becoming more stable with their sitting balance, you can try this! If your baby is younger (4-6 months), check out my other video for prop sitting as a way to introduce sitting (in my “sitting” playlist) I’m showing examples here that anyone can set up no matter what toys you have! Some other good sitting props: V-tech activity cube The front side of a push walker An activity table with two legs removed so it is slanted @Fisher-Price kick and play piano 👋🏼 hi! I’m Marissa. I’m a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in early intervention (birth-3). I help families support their baby’s development in ways that are easy to manage within their routines and simple to set up. #pediatricot #occupationaltherapy #firsttimemom #babymilestones #momtok #momsoftiktok #childdevelopment #baby #6monthsold #7monthsold #8monthsold

Developmental activities should be simple and easy to integrate into your baby’s daily routine! 🙌🏻 These are all things that can be done DAILY with your baby that have TONS of benefits! If you are feeling overwhelmed with what to do with your baby, please let this be a reminder that it doesn’t need to be a Pinterest-perfect activity. Let’s take it back to the basics 👏🏼 👋🏼 hi! I’m Marissa. I’m a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in early intervention (birth-3). I help families support their baby’s development in ways that are easy to manage within their routines and simple to set up. I’ve been enjoying this play mat from @TokiMats ! It’s such a well-made mat with a beautiful pattern! Check them out! 💕 #pediatricot #occupationaltherapy #firsttimemom #babymilestones #momtok #momsoftiktok #childdevelopment #6monthsold #startingsolids #baby #tummytime #tummytimeactivities #earlyintervention