Motor Delays in Children: What Every Parent Should Know

It’s 2 AM and you’re scrolling through developmental milestone charts again, comparing your child to their peers. Your 15-month-old isn’t walking yet, or maybe your 3-year-old struggles with simple tasks like stacking blocks.

That knot in your stomach? Every parent of a child with Motor Delays knows it well. You’re wondering if you missed something, if you should be worried, or if your child will “catch up” eventually.

Take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this journey, and there are answers and support available.

Proudly serving families in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, and throughout Broward County, FL.

What Are Motor Delays in Children?

Think of motor skills as your child’s physical “language” – the way they explore, play, and express themselves through movement.

Two Types of Motor Skills

Gross Motor Skills involve large muscle groups and whole-body movements:

• Rolling over
• Sitting up
• Crawling and walking
• Running and jumping
• Balance and coordination

Fine Motor Skills involve smaller muscles for precise movements:

• Grasping objects
• Using utensils
• Drawing and coloring
• Buttoning clothes
• Writing

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Recognizing the Signs of Motor Delays

Early Signs (0-12 months)

• Not holding head up by 3-4 months
• Not rolling over by 6-7 months
• Not sitting without support by 9 months
• Not crawling or showing interest in moving by 12 months
• Difficulty grasping toys or finger foods

Toddler Signs (12-36 months)

• Not walking by 18 months
• Frequent falling or clumsiness beyond typical toddler wobbles
• Difficulty climbing stairs by age 2
• Cannot run or jump by age 2-3
• Struggles with simple puzzles or stacking toys

Preschool Signs (3-5 years)

• Cannot hop on one foot
• Difficulty with tricycles or balance bikes
• Struggles with buttons, zippers, or shoelaces
• Cannot hold a crayon properly or draw simple shapes
• Avoids playground activities or physical play

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What Causes Motor Delays in Children?

Understanding the root causes helps you address motor delays more effectively according to the Cleveland Clinic. Often, it’s not just one factor but a combination of influences.

The Perfect Storm Framework

Many families dealing with motor delays have experienced what we call the “Perfect Storm” – three key stressors that can impact your child’s nervous system:

1. Birth Trauma: Even “normal” births can create stress on your baby’s delicate spine and nervous system. C-sections, vacuum extractions, or long labors can contribute to this stress.

2. Environmental Toxins: From household chemicals to processed foods, toxins can interfere with normal development and nervous system function.

3. Chronic Stress: This includes emotional stress, poor sleep, or ongoing health challenges that keep your child’s nervous system in a heightened state.

Other Contributing Factors

• Low Muscle Tone (hypotonia)
• Torticollis or neck restrictions
• Primitive reflex retention
• Sensory processing challenges
• Limited opportunities for movement and exploration

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How Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Helps

Your child’s nervous system controls every movement, from the smallest finger wiggle to running across the playground. When there’s interference in this system, motor skills can suffer.

Neurologically-focused chiropractic care looks at your child’s entire nervous system to identify and address areas of stress or dysfunction.

Our Gentle Approach

Many parents worry about chiropractic care for children, but pediatric adjustments are incredibly gentle – often no more pressure than you’d use to check a tomato for ripeness.

We use specialized techniques designed specifically for growing bodies and developing nervous systems.

What Research Shows

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Supporting Your Child at Home

While professional care is important, you can also support your child’s motor development through daily activities and play.

Encouraging Gross Motor Skills

• Create obstacle courses with pillows and furniture
• Dance together to music
• Play catch with soft balls or balloons
• Practice walking on different surfaces (grass, sand, carpet)
• Encourage climbing on safe playground equipment

Building Fine Motor Skills

• Play with play dough or clay
• Practice with large crayons and markers
• Use tweezers or tongs to pick up small objects
• String large beads
• Tear paper for art projects

Creating a Supportive Environment

Remember that your child needs time and practice to develop motor skills. Celebrate small victories and avoid comparing them to other children.

Focus on making movement fun rather than a chore. Follow your child’s interests – if they love trucks, incorporate movement into truck play.

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A Real Family’s Journey

During Jake’s evaluation, we discovered tension in his upper neck from a difficult birth. This was affecting his balance and coordination, making him hesitant to take those first independent steps.

After several gentle adjustments focused on removing nervous system interference, Jake’s family started noticing improvements according to ICPA research. He became more confident with balance activities and began cruising furniture more frequently.

Within a few weeks, Jake took his first independent steps. Sarah later said it wasn’t just about the walking – Jake seemed more confident and adventurous in all his movements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I be concerned about motor delays?

Trust your instincts as a parent. If your child is missing multiple milestones or you notice significant differences compared to peers, it’s worth having them evaluated. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.

Will my child catch up to their peers?

Every child is unique, and outcomes depend on various factors including the underlying cause of delays and how early intervention begins. Many children make significant progress with the right support and care.

Is chiropractic care safe for babies and toddlers?

When performed by a doctor trained in pediatric chiropractic care, adjustments are very safe and gentle. We use techniques specifically designed for children’s developing bodies and nervous systems.

How long does it take to see improvements?

Every child responds differently, but many families notice changes within the first few visits. Some improvements may be subtle at first – better sleep, improved mood, or increased willingness to try new movements.

Should I still work with other therapists?

Absolutely! Neurologically-focused chiropractic care works well alongside physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions. We often see children make faster progress when their nervous system is functioning optimally.

Does insurance cover neurologically-focused chiropractic care?

Because we are neurologically-focused rather than a typical back-pain chiropractor, most major medical insurance plans do not cover what we do. Our approach is more specialized and more intensive than what insurance was designed for. However, we accept HSA and FSA — which many families have and don’t realize they can use for this. We also offer family discounts and flexible options to make care affordable. We always find a way for families who are committed to their child’s health.

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Your Next Step Forward

Watching your child struggle with motor skills can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Understanding that motor delays often stem from nervous system dysfunction gives us a clear path forward.

At Alive & Free Chiropractic, we specialize in helping children in Pembroke Pines, Weston, and surrounding areas unlock their full potential through gentle, neurologically-focused care.

The sooner we can identify and address the underlying causes of your child’s motor delays, the better equipped they’ll be to thrive. Your child deserves every opportunity to move, play, and explore their world with confidence.

Ready to take the first step? Call us at (754) 203-5907 or schedule your consultation online. Let’s work together to help your child reach their full potential.

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