Baby Base

28/11/2025

Today I had a really fascinating case. The school staff were convinced this little boy was simply “clumsy” maybe because of his hypermobility. But there was a big sensory-processing piece hiding underneath all of that!

When people hear “sensory processing,” they usually think of kids who dislike loud noises, hate certain clothing textures, or gag on lumpy food. But there’s another side to sensory processing that’s often forgotten: proprioception and kinesthesiathe “secret senses” that tell us where our body is and how it’s moving without needing to look.

Children with hypermobility often have less joint stability, which means less information coming from the joints. Imagine trying to navigate with a blurry map that’s what the brain is working with. So while the school was told to “just build up those weak muscles,” the real story was much more complex.

Most of the research on proprioception and hypermobility has been done by PTs and focuses on the legs walking, running, mobility. But almost no research has looked at hand skills or everyday living tasks. That’s where we, as OTs, come in. We get to teach parents, teachers, and caregivers how sensory processing and motor performance are deeply intertwined and how to support kids using this knowledge.

Here’s a simple way to understand proprioception and kinesthesia: Think about touch-typing Your ability to place your fingers correctly on the home row without looking? That’s proprioception.nYour ability to feel that you accidentally hit “w” instead of “e”? That’s kinesthesia. People often call it “muscle memory,” but that’s not really true muscles don’t remember anything. Brains do. And if the brain isn’t getting the right information, it can’t send out the right instructions.

So why do kids with hypermobility struggle with these senses?
Because the receptors that send position and movement information to the brain sit in the joints and surrounding tissues. When the joints are loose, those receptors don’t get enough stimulation—kind of like tapping a carnival strength game but not hitting it hard enough to ring the bell. The brain gets weak, slow, or incomplete signals, so its responses aren’t as accurate.

This can show up as:
1. slouched posture
2. difficulty catching a ball
3. slow reactions
4. heavy-footed walking
5. awkward or unusual sitting positions that look painful—but somehow aren’t

(There’s a whole article’s worth to say about why kids with hypermobility love extreme positions others would avoid!)

Parents often wonder, “How do I know if proprioception is affecting my child’s function?” A big red flag is safety. Kids who can’t accurately sense changes in balance or body position can become unsafe very quickly. And safety isn’t a small issue it's the foundation for confident exploration and development.

19/10/2025

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27/09/2025

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and welcomed the new year with loved ones! ♥️Registration is now open for the start of Baby Base fall workshops. As a small gesture for the new year, I am offering an Early Bird Discount for everyone who registers by September 30th.

Links for Early Bird Discount:
📌 4-Week Workshop Discount – https://links.payboxapp.com/xru9lO1N0Wb

📌 Gan Beyachad 6-Week Discount – https://links.payboxapp.com/h9DszkhO0Wb

Workshop Details:
4-week workshops: 1 hour each, all in English, led by a pediatric PT or OT
6-week Gan Beyachad program: 2.5–3 hours per session
All workshops run on consecutive weeks, and registration is for the full series

🍂 Let’s start the season with connection, play, and learning at the Baby Base Center, Dizengoff 222

22/09/2025

May we continue to nurture with love and guide our little ones each step and enjoy the sweet fruits of our efforts. Wishing you a year filled with patience, hugs and both the small and big successes that make your journey so meaningful.

12/06/2025

17/03/2025

How to prepare for the clock change March 28th 2025

On March 28th, the clocks spring forward by one hour, meaning we lose an hour of sleep. While adults may feel the effects for a day or two, babies and toddlers who thrive on routine can take longer to adjust. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can help make this transition smoother for your little one.

Option 1: Gradual Shift (Best for Sensitive Sleepers)
Starting 4-5 days before the time change, move your baby’s schedule forward by 15 minutes each day naps only by 5-10 mins- If their bedtime is normally 7:00 PM put them down at 7:15 PM on night one, 7:30 PM on night two, and so on.
- Adjust wake-up time, naps, and meals accordingly.
- By the time the clock changes, your baby will already be on the new schedule with minimal disruption.

Option 2: Immediate Adjustment (Best for Easy Sleepers)
If your baby is flexible, you can simply follow the new time from day one. On March 28th, stick to the adjusted clock and put your baby to sleep at their usual bedtime, even though it will feel an hour earlier.

Additional Tips to Help the Transition:
✔ Expose your baby to natural light in the morning – This helps reset their internal clock faster.
✔ Keep bedtime routines the same – Predictability is key for helping babies feel secure.
✔ Make bedtime slightly earlier if needed – If your baby seems overtired, consider a temporary earlier bedtime for a few nights.
✔ Darken the room in the evening– Since it will stay lighter later, blackout curtains can help signal bedtime.

With some planning and consistency, your baby will adjust within a few days, and you’ll be back on track in no time!

09/01/2025

When my son was two years old, he wanted to unlock the door with the key fob entirely on his own. He was adamant that he handle the task independently, so I took a step back, observing and narrating his actions to support his process without intervening.

What struck me most was his determination and focus. When his father mentioned, "It's the big key," my son paused thoughtfully, processing the information before ultimately deciding that this challenge might be beyond his current ability.

Allowing him the space to attempt and even struggle with the task was essential. This experience wasn’t just about opening the door—it was about fostering self-regulation, problem-solving, and resilience in the face of challenges.

13/12/2024

Winter Workshops – Sign Up Now!

Take advantage of our pricing before December 31! Prices increase in January, so register today to secure your spot.

Workshop Schedule

Sundays (Starting January 12):
10:00 AM: Baby Massage (Birth to Rolling) – 4 sessions | 380 NIS
11:30 AM: New Baby – 4 sessions | 380 NIS
4:30 PM: Tiny Tots Ballet – 5 sessions | 380 NIS
5:15 PM: Toddler Ballet – 5 sessions | 380 NIS

Mondays (Starting January 13):
10:00 AM: Baby Yoga (Crawlers/Pre-Walkers) 4 sessions 380 NIS
11:00 AM: RIE/Montessori (Crawlers to Pre-Walkers) 4 sessions 380 NIS

Tuesdays (Starting January 14):
10:00 AM: Pre-Rollers – 4 sessions | 380 NIS
11:30 AM: Pre-Crawlers – 4 sessions | 380 NIS

Wednesdays (Starting January 8):
10:30 AM: RIE/Montessori (Toddlers/Walkers) – 4 sessions | 380 NIS

Thursdays (Starting January 9):
9:00–11:30 AM: Gan Beyachad (Toddlers/Walkers) 6 sessions 550 NIS

How to register: Write your baby’s name and the workshop you’re signing up for in the comments.

Send payment via:
BIT: 052-351-1306
Paybox: 055-277-6936

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Let’s create a winter full of growth, connection, and fun for you and your little one.

14/11/2024

Ever wondered why babies are snug in sleep sacks or why we can’t resist a cozy blanket? It turns out, there’s real science behind it! About an hour before bedtime, our bodies start cooling down, which helps us feel sleepy. For babies, this cooling process is a bit different they’re not as good at regulating their own body temperature all through the night which is why a sleep sack can be essential.

Here’s how it works: when the body cools down, melatonin levels rise, signaling it’s time for sleep. During the first half of the night, body temperature gradually drops. Then, during REM sleep (when most dreams happen), our ability to adjust temperature stops completely. That’s where a sleep sack for babies or a blanket for older kids and adults makes all the difference. Without it, they can get chilly, which disrupts their sleep.

But there’s more! During REM sleep, serotonin levels also dip. Serotonin is that “feel-good” chemical that helps us relax. Research shows that a weighted blanket (or the gentle pressure of a sleep sack) can help increase serotonin levels, giving babies and kids a sense of calm and security as they sleep.

And let’s not forget the comfort factor. From birth, most babies are wrapped in blankets, building an association between cozy layers and sleep. It’s a kind of Pavlovian conditioning when they feel that familiar weight, they know it’s time to rest.

So, whether it’s a sleep sack, a light blanket, or even a weighted blanket for older kids, these comforting layers aren’t just about warmth. They’re tapping into our body’s natural sleep rhythms, providing a sense of security, and boosting those feel-good chemicals. 😴

23/09/2024

Chest-to-Chest: Lie on your back and place baby on your chest. As they lift their head to look at your face, they strengthen their neck and core muscles—plus, it’s a sweet bonding moment! 💕

Carrier or holding them in an upright position helps them practice holding their head up and building strength as they balance.

Side Lying Play :This helps develop neck strength as they turn their head from this new angle.

On your knees facing out: You should have your back supported, feet flat, bend knees, place baby with head on knees facing outwards, support around shoulders to keep head midline

30/08/2024

Supporting the transition to first grade: 7 Tips from an OT

As your child steps into first grade, they are entering a new world of learning, socializing, and developing skills. This transition can feel exciting yet challenging for both kids and parents. Here are a few tips to help ease this process and support your child’s development:

1. Promote Independence in daily routines - First grade brings greater expectations for independence, whether it’s dressing, organizing school supplies, or managing their time. Encourage your child to take responsibility for tasks like packing their backpack, laying out clothes the night before, or helping to prepare snacks for school. This boosts their self-confidence and helps them feel more prepared for their school day.

2. Fine Motor skill practice - Fine motor skills become more essential in first grade, from writing neatly to cutting shapes in art projects. Help your child strengthen their hand muscles by providing activities like playing with Play-Doh, stringing beads, or using scissors to cut paper. Encourage practice with writing and drawing to build hand-eye coordination.

3. Encourage gross motor play - Physical play is crucial for improving balance, strength, and coordination, which support classroom activities like sitting for longer periods and writing. Let your child climb, jump, run, and play outdoors as much as possible. Games like hopscotch or skipping also develop motor planning skills that translate to classroom success.

4. Build attention & focus - First graders are expected to focus on tasks for longer periods of time. You can help by practicing short bursts of focused activities, like puzzles or memory games, and gradually increasing the time. Also, create a quiet, distraction-free homework space at home where your child can concentrate.

5. Foster social skills - Your child will be navigating more complex social situations, making friends, sharing, and problem-solving. Encourage playdates or group activities where they can practice these skills. Role-playing different scenarios at home, like asking to join a group or handling disagreements, can also be helpful.

6. Establish predictable routines - A consistent routine provides structure and security, helping children feel more in control. Set regular times for waking up, meals, homework, and bedtime. This not only helps them adjust to the school schedule but also gives them a sense of comfort and stability.

7. Be patient -Transitions can be overwhelming, and it’s normal for kids to experience moments of frustration or fatigue. Be patient, offer positive reinforcement, and let them know it’s okay to make mistakes. If they’re struggling with any specific tasks, break them down into smaller, manageable steps.

With these strategies in place, you can help your child not only thrive in first grade but enjoy the journey of learning and growing. Here’s to a successful year ahead!

15/06/2024

Introducing solid foods to a baby can be a joyful yet challenging experience, as each baby has unique preferences and developmental milestones. One notable observation is that some babies show a preference for handheld food rather than blended purees. Understanding why this happens and why families should consider offering handheld foods can be beneficial for both the baby and the family.

Why do some babies prefer handheld food?

1) Exploration and Sensory Experience: Babies are natural explorers and using their hands to eat provides them with a rich sensory experience. Holding, squishing, and bringing food to their mouths allows them to learn about textures, shapes, and sizes. This hands-on exploration can make eating more engaging and enjoyable for them.

2) Independence and Control: Handheld foods give babies a sense of independence and control over their eating. They can decide how much to pick up and eat, which can be empowering and satisfying for them. This autonomy can foster positive associations with mealtime and encourage self-feeding skills.

3) Development of Motor Skills: Grasping food and bringing it to the mouth helps babies develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These skills are crucial for their overall development and can be better honed with handheld foods compared to spoon-fed purees.

4) Preference for Texture: Some babies may prefer the texture of solid foods over the smooth consistency of purees. Handheld foods offer a variety of textures that can be more interesting and appealing to them. This preference can also play a role in developing healthy eating habits and a willingness to try new foods.

Natural Progression: For many babies, handheld foods represent a natural progression from milk feeds to solids. Babies around 7-8 months old are usually developmentally ready to handle soft, appropriately-sized pieces of food. Offering handheld foods aligns with their readiness to chew and manipulate food in their mouths.

Offering a variety of handheld foods can ensure that babies receive a balanced diet with different nutrients. Introduce soft fruits, cooked vegetables, small pieces of meat, providing a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Positive Mealtime Experience: Handheld foods can make mealtime more interactive and less stressful. Babies can eat at their own pace and enjoy the social aspects of family meals, observing and mimicking adult eating behaviors.

Reduced Picky Eating: Exposing babies to different textures and tastes early on can reduce picky eating tendencies later. Handheld foods encourage a diverse palate and can help babies become more adventurous eaters. Babies who start with handheld foods may transition more smoothly to eating the same foods as the rest of the family. This can simplify meal preparation and promote family bonding during meals.

Tips for offering handheld foods

1) Start with Soft, Safe Foods: Begin with foods that are easy for babies to grasp and chew, such as steamed vegetables, ripe fruits, and soft pieces of meat or fish.

2) Monitor for Safety: Always supervise babies during mealtime to ensure they are eating safely and not at risk of choking.
Encourage Self-Feeding: Allow babies to pick up and explore food on their own, even if it gets messy. This exploration is part of the learning process.

3) Be Patient: Every baby is different, and it may take time for them to adjust to handheld foods. Patience and persistence are key.

By offering a variety of handheld foods, you can support your baby's development, foster positive eating habits, and create enjoyable mealtime experiences.