Changing Posture During Play

The OT department wanted to share how to incorporate different postures during play to build postural control, which is the ability to maintain the body in a position without losing balance. As your child masters each of these postures, he/she is also gaining balance, strength, stability, and alignment. These skills will eventually be used for activities such as playing games, writing, drawing, and sports. 

Try playing with your child in different positions! Below are some examples. 

Side lying: 

Have your child lay on one side. Put toys in your child’s visual field to encourage play and rolling over. 

Quadruped over a bolster: 

Have your child get on hands and knees over a large ball/foam roller/pillow. Put toys in front of him so he can reach and play with hands. 

Tall kneeling: 

While your child is kneeling and upright, read a book together or play at his waist height using other play materials (blocks, puzzles, beads, etc).  

** Please support your child in avoiding “W sitting” posture (shown on left picture) ** 

 “W sitting” prevents trunk rotation and core strengthening, making it more difficult for your child to cross midline.  

As always, please contact your occupational therapist if you need more individualized support.