At our Northeast Ohio pediatric therapy clinic, we are dedicated to helping children of all ages overcome developmental challenges, including those born prematurely. Premature infants, or babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, often face unique hurdles as they grow and develop. These early challenges can impact everything from motor skills to feeding and sensory processing. Fortunately, our Brecksville occupational therapy (OT) can provide crucial support for these infants, helping them build the foundation they need to reach key developmental milestones.

Occupational therapy, even for the tiniest patients, focuses on enhancing motor skills, addressing sensory processing issues, and promoting overall development.

Understanding the Challenges of Premature Birth

Premature infants are at an increased risk for developmental delays and motor difficulties due to the fact that their bodies and brains may not have fully developed before birth. Depending on how early a baby is born, they may experience challenges in areas such as:

• Motor Skills. Premature babies often have weaker muscles and less control over their movements. They may struggle with head control, grasping, or coordinating their limbs. Over time, these difficulties can delay the development of gross and fine motor skills, making it harder for the child to meet typical milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking.
• Feeding and Swallowing. Many preemies have difficulty with feeding, including problems with sucking, swallowing, and coordinating these movements with breathing. These challenges can result in poor weight gain and feeding aversions, which can persist as the child grows. One of the upsides of being a multidisciplinary clinic is that our patients have easy access to both OT as well as speech-language pathology, both of which work to address feeding and swallowing problems that may be experienced by babies born prematurely.
• Sensory Processing. Preemies are often hypersensitive to sensory input such as touch, sound, and light. Because they didn’t have the chance to complete their sensory development in the womb, they may struggle with processing and responding to their environment in a calm and regulated way.

These developmental concerns can be overwhelming for parents. But the good news is that early intervention with occupational therapy can help address and mitigate these issues.

How Brecksville Occupational Therapy Supports Premature Infants

Occupational therapy for premature babies is designed to support the development of essential skills while focusing on the individual needs of each child. Here are some key areas where OT can make a significant difference in the lives of premature infants:

1. Improving Motor Skills

Premature infants may have low muscle tone (hypotonia) and struggle with motor coordination. Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques to help preemies strengthen their muscles and improve their ability to move.

Therapists often focus on gross motor skills (such as rolling, crawling, and eventually walking) and fine motor skills (such as reaching, grasping, and manipulating objects). Through age-appropriate exercises and play-based activities, therapists help babies develop the strength and coordination needed to reach these milestones. By starting early, OT can help reduce the risk of motor delays and improve overall physical development.

2. Supporting Feeding and Swallowing

For many premature babies, feeding difficulties are a significant concern. OT can help with feeding challenges by focusing on oral motor skills, which include the coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Occupational therapists work with babies to improve their ability to feed safely and effectively, whether they are breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or transitioning to solids.

The therapist may also teach parents techniques to improve feeding at home, such as positioning the baby for optimal feeding success or using specific types of bottles and nipples to support better coordination. Addressing these challenges early can lead to healthier growth and prevent long-term feeding aversions or difficulties.

3. Enhancing Sensory Processing

Many premature babies are extra sensitive to sensory input due to their early arrival. They may react strongly to stimuli that most full-term babies can tolerate, such as light, sound, or touch. Occupational therapy helps premature babies learn to process sensory information in a more regulated and manageable way.

Through sensory integration techniques, therapists expose babies to various sensory inputs in a controlled, therapeutic environment. Over time, this helps desensitize the infant and teaches them how to respond to stimuli in a calm and adaptive way. Sensory processing interventions are also valuable in improving sleep patterns and reducing overstimulation, which are common concerns for preemies.

4. Promoting Cognitive and Social Development

Occupational therapy not only addresses physical and sensory development but also supports cognitive and social growth. Through play-based therapy, therapists help premature infants develop problem-solving skills, interact with their environment, and build the foundational skills needed for social interactions as they grow older. Early intervention can lead to improved cognitive outcomes and better social engagement as the child approaches school age.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is critical for premature babies. By starting occupational therapy as early as possible, we can address developmental delays and prevent future challenges from becoming more severe. The earlier a baby receives support, the more likely they are to catch up to their peers and thrive in all areas of life.

At our clinic, we take a multidisciplinary approach, combining occupational therapy with other therapies like speech therapy and ABA therapy as needed. This comprehensive approach ensures that your child receives the full spectrum of support for their unique developmental needs. Additionally, we offer alternative schooling options for children as they grow, providing a seamless transition from early intervention to more structured learning environments.

If your baby was born prematurely, you don’t have to face the developmental challenges alone. Occupational therapy offers invaluable support for preemies, helping them develop the motor, sensory, and cognitive skills they need to thrive. At our pediatric therapy clinic, we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way, ensuring that your baby reaches their full potential as they grow. Reach out to us today to learn more about how OT can benefit your premature baby.

For more information about pediatric occupational therapy in Brecksville, Contact Us Online or call our office (330) 748-4807. Our educational services and multidisciplinary therapy are available in Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities.

Additional Resources:

Occupational Therapy’s Role in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Aug. 30, 2018, The American Journal of Occupational Therapy

More Blog Entries:

Sensory Desensitization Techniques of Brecksville Occupational Therapists, Sept. 10, 2024, Brecksville Occupational Therapy Blog