Babies & Early Development (0-18 months)
Gentle support for growing bodies, curious minds and first connections.
The first eighteen months of life are full of rapid change. New movements, new sounds, new skills — often all at once. We support families with early movement, feeding and communication concerns throughout the first eighteen months.
Milestones are not a competition.
They are simply guideposts that help us notice patterns.
At Lifespan Therapies in Brendale, we support babies and families across the Moreton Bay region with calm, practical early development guidance. Whether you’re seeking reassurance or early intervention, we’re here to provide clarity without alarm.
Development Across the First 18 Months
Every stage of infancy brings different shifts. Concerns often change as babies grow.
Below is a guide to common reasons families reach out at different ages.
0-6 Months: Early Movement & Regulation
Families often contact us when they notice things that feel unusual — even if they aren’t clearly “delayed.” This stage is about early body control and early feeding cues.
You might be wondering about:
Tummy time feeling difficult or uncomfortable
Strong preference for turning head one way
A flat or misshapen spot developing on the head
An asymmetric reach or kick
Frequent feeding pain, poor latch or sucking fatigue
Suspected tongue-tie or oral motor tightness
Ongoing nipple pain or recurrent mastitis related to latch
Fussiness around feeding or seeming unsettled after feeds
Low vocalisation or limited cooing/babbling
Early feeding challenges are not just feeding challenges — they’re also connected to oral motor skills, regulation and body control. We work collaboratively across physiotherapy and speech pathology to support more efficient, comfortable feeding and movement from the very start.
Small changes in positioning, handling and oral motor guidance can make big differences in comfort and confidence.
6–12 Months: Sitting, Crawling, Starting Solids & Early Communication
This stage brings dynamic change. Babies begin exploring the world with movement and mouth — and often discover new textures.
Parents commonly have questions such as:
When should my baby sit independently?
Why is crawling slow / asymmetrical / avoided?
When should solids start and how do I know they’re ready?
My baby gags a lot — is that typical?
My baby only wants smooth purees — how do I introduce textures?
Does my baby babble or make varied sounds yet?
Is early communication developing in a way that feels engaged and social?
Movement, feeding and communication are deeply intertwined at this stage. Feeding is not just about eating — it’s about oral motor skills, sensory exploration and confidence with texture progression.
We provide guidance on:
Strengthening postural control for sitting, crawling and standing
Strategies to support texture-rich eating that feels safe and positive
Normalising exploration vs typical gagging responses
Encouraging vocal play, varied babbling and early word approximations
Practical strategies you can use at meals and in everyday play
This stage is not about “perfect milestones” — it’s about building confidence and pathways toward independent movement and communication.
12–18 Months: Walking, Words & Growing Independence
The second year of life brings rapid changes in mobility and communication.
Parents may reach out when they notice:
• Delayed walking or unstable gait
• Frequent falls beyond what feels typical
• Toe walking
• Limited pointing, gestures or shared attention
• Few or no first words
• Frustration related to communication
• Ongoing difficulty transitioning to textured foods
• Feeding that remains stressful beyond early exploration
Development during this stage does not move in neat boxes. Some children focus more on movement first, others on communication.
However, when progress feels stalled or uneven, early support can provide clarity and direction.
Waiting and worrying alone is often harder than checking in.
How we Support Babies & Families
Our early development sessions may include:
• Movement observation and developmental screening
• Head shape and symmetry assessment
• Positioning and handling guidance
• Tummy time adaptations
• Strengthening through play
• Feeding and oral motor support (in collaboration with speech pathology where appropriate)
• Guidance around early communication and interaction
We focus on practical strategies that fit naturally into your daily routines — not overwhelming therapy plans unless they are truly needed.
Many families attend for one or two check-ins and leave feeling clearer and more confident.
Physiotherapy & Speech — Working Together
Early development concerns often involve both movement and communication.
Our physiotherapists support motor development, posture and strength.
Our speech pathologists support feeding, oral motor skills and early communication.
We collaborate closely to ensure support feels cohesive, calm and practical.
You don’t need to decide which discipline is required — we guide you.
Milestones are a Guide, Not a Race
It’s natural to compare. It’s human to worry.
Milestones help us notice when development is progressing smoothly and when it may benefit from guidance.
Checking in early does not mean something is wrong.
It means you are paying attention.
Early support should feel reassuring, collaborative and clear — not fear-driven.
Not Sure Whether to Book?
If you’re wondering whether your concern is “big enough”, thats often reason enough to check in. You can go ahead and make an appointment (no doctor referral needed) or call our friendly team who can answer any further questions you may have.
Ready to take the Next Step?
How Lifespan Therapies Supports Families
Every family’s situation is different. Some are seeking reassurance. Others need structured, ongoing support. Many are simply unsure where to begin.
Our approach is consistent across physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology:
• Collaborative and family-centred
• Focused on participation in everyday life
• Strength-based and practical
• Calm, clear and free from fear-based messaging
• Grounded in real-world environments — home, school and sport
We don’t believe therapy should feel overwhelming or overly clinical. Our goal is to provide clarity, build confidence and support meaningful progress — at a pace that feels right for your child and your family.
Our Clinic Location
Based in Brendale, Supporting Families Across Moreton Bay
Lifespan Therapies is located in Brendale, with families attending from across the Moreton Bay region. We also collaborate with schools, sporting clubs and early learning centres within the community.