Unlocking Baby's Potential: A Chat with Jessica Smith from Tiny Triumphs Pediatric Therapy

Jess Smith, an infant physical therapist from Tiny Triumphs in Traverse City, demonstrates tummy time techniques. Tummy time supports muscle strength, motor skills, and healthy development for infants.

We all want the best for our little ones, and sometimes that means going beyond the basics of diaper changes and late-night feedings. One thing that can really set your baby up for success is physical therapy—yes, even for babies! To better understand these topics, I sat down with Jessica Smith, an experienced pediatric physical therapist with a focus on muscle asymmetries, Torticollis, and developmental milestones. 

Today, I’m chatting with Jess, a rockstar infant physical therapist over at Tiny Triumphs PT, about all the ways she helps babies move, grow, and thrive. Let’s dive in!

1. First off, tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up specializing in infant physical therapy. 

Jess: Hi, Ash. Thank you so much for having me here! While I have always had fun playing and being with kids, my passion grew from more than that. I am genuinely curious about early development, why are we one of the only creatures born needing total and complete care, and how we learn and grow and become fully functioning, athletic, incredible people! Early development is truly fascinating to me. 

2. For parents who aren’t familiar, what exactly is infant physical therapy and why is it so important for babies? 

Jess: Infant physical therapy focuses on improving a baby’s ability to reach gross motor developmental milestones, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. We do this by working on muscle strength, balance, coordination, and learning motor patterns. Infant physical therapist like me use fun and gentle exercises, toys, games, and hands-on techniques to encourage movement. 

There is a notion that if you put a baby on the floor they will learn everything they must, and while that can sometimes be true, and I believe in the power of floor time, many families and babies run into roadblocks. That’s where physical therapy can step in — helping families navigate those roadblocks and supporting babies in growing stronger and more coordinated. 

3. When do parents need to start thinking about physical therapy for their little ones? Are there any early signs or concerns they should look out for? 

Jess: This question is tough to answer because it really depends on the child and the situation. It’s first important to consider what is and isn’t typical in development. I’m happy to share some of those things, though families should always reach out to their pediatricians or a professional with any inkling of concern.

When it comes to developmental milestones, the sequencing does matter. Each motor pattern is a building block for the next, so it’s important to keep that in mind as your baby develops. Specifically for Torticollis or muscle asymmetries in infants, we would notice a baby’s preference for one side, difficulty keeping their head in the middle or finding midline, ability or choice to roll only to one side, or crawling difficulities. Those are examples of asymmetries. 

There are many different situations in which physical therapy would be helpful, and that’s just one of them. Ultimately, if you have any feeling that your baby could use extra support, it’s better to reach out and ask. It never hurts to gain more information, learn more, and get more support.

4. Can you talk about how physical therapy can actually help with other areas of development, like feeding or even sleep? 

Jess: This one is huge! Remember that old song, “the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone, the knee bone’s connected to the ankle bone?” It’s all connected! A one-sided preference in muscle strength and flexibility could lead to a one-sided preference with feeding. Not only could this be uncomfortable for a breastfeeding mother, but it could also create challenges with digestion, upset stomach, spitting up, or gas. 

Now, let’s talk about the ever-important sleep question! Those “sleep regressions” we all hear so much about are most likely “developmental leaps.” Babies are working so hard to reach these milestones and explore their environments that their bodies and brains cannot stop thinking about it! If we can help them reach these milestones, they just might get through that developmental leap a little quicker. 

5. I know parents are busy, but what are some simple exercises or tips they can do at home to support their baby’s development? 

Jess: My biggest tip is to put them on the floor and limit container use as much as possible. There is a place for containers — safety, eating, being carried, in a carseat — but when it comes to play, the floor is the best place. My next tip is to move through my four infant play positions: on their back, on their tummies, in side-lying, and then supported upright with you. Each position has its purpose. They all play a role! 

6. What’s a big misconception you often hear about infant physical therapy that you’d like to clear up? 

Jess: That physical therapy is only for children or infants with disabilities or special needs. This is an old-school way of thinking, and I think we’re moving past this! There is so much knowledge available to us now. Why not help your baby and in turn grow your knowledge of development? 

7. Can you share a success story of a baby who was able to hit a major milestone or overcome a challenge thanks to physical therapy? 

Jess: Oh wow, this is a fun question. It makes me think of all the milestones I have reached alongside my babies. My premature babies are probably my biggest success stories. They are such fighters from the beginning; they overcome so much. To work side-by-side with their parents, putting aside all the “age-appropriate timelines” and moving through the building blocks of motor patterns is really special. I have watched these babies achieve all the same milestones as those born on their expected due dates. They just do it on their own time! Those stories still make me smile. 

8. I hear you’ve got something exciting coming up—a new course! Can you tell us more about it and how it can help parents? 

Jess: Yes, thank you! I created a course for caregivers to learn about one-sided preferences, how to assess head shape, and what to do about it. It teaches how to target these muscle asymmetries to continue with development and progress motor milestones in the most optimal way. 

Over the years, I noticed a change in the safety requirements and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with an increase in baby items, specifically containers. With all these changes, including having babies sleep on their backs for rightful safety reasons, head shape has become an increasingly common concern for families and healthcare providers. When I had my first baby, I noticed that he would crawl and sit asymmetrically. At the time, I thought about how lucky I was to be a pediatric physical therapist and have this knowledge in my living room. Now, it’s my goal to put it in everyone’s living room!

About Dr. Jessica Smith, Pediatric Physical Therapist:

Jessica Smith is a licensed pediatric physical therapist with over 10 years of experience working with newborns and young children. She focuses on targeting muscle asymmetries, treating Torticollis, and navigating developmental milestones. Jessica works closely with parents and caregivers to provide guidance and support during the critical early years of a child’s development.

Jess Smith, infant physical therapist from Tiny Triumphs is launching a new course on targeting muscle asymmetries in infants. Learn practical strategies to address imbalances and support your baby’s developmental milestones!