What is baby neuro developmental treatment?

During the early months of life, your baby is learning how to move, respond, and interact with the world around them. For some babies, especially those with developmental challenges, conditions like hypotonia (low muscle tone), or delayed milestones, a little extra support can make a big difference.

That’s where Baby Neuro Developmental Treatment (NDT) comes in—a gentle, hands-on approach that helps babies experience the natural movement patterns they need to grow and thrive.

What Is Baby NDT?

NDT, also known as Bobath Therapy, is a specialist method used in paediatric physiotherapy. It involves guided handling and facilitation, allowing your baby to feel and practise typical sequences of movement—like rolling, reaching, sitting, or crawling—even if they are not yet doing so independently.

Through this approach, we support your baby’s nervous system and encourage:

  • Head and trunk control
  • Balance and body awareness
  • Symmetrical posture and positioning
  • Confidence and comfort with movement

It’s all done in a way that feels natural, safe, and nurturing, always following your baby’s pace.

Why Is This Approach Effective?

Babies with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or prematurity may not automatically develop the movement patterns typical for their age. NDT helps bridge that gap by offering experiences of those movements, which promotes:

  • Motor learning and coordination
  • Muscle tone development
  • Improved movement transitions (e.g. lying to sitting, sitting to crawling)

By guiding the body to move in more efficient ways, we’re helping your baby build the foundation for future motor skills and functional independence.

Support for You and Your Baby

Sessions are calming and family-centred. I’ll always explain what I’m doing and show you how to support your baby at home with positioning, play, and simple handling techniques that reinforce the therapy.

At Florikids, the goal is to help every baby feel confident and supported in their body—giving them the best start possible through gentle, effective movement-based therapy.