How Occupational Therapy Can Support Babies Born Prematurely

When a baby arrives earlier than expected, parents are often focused on medical care, weight gain and hospital follow-ups — understandably so. But alongside these vital areas, there is another important part of development that sometimes receives less attention:

How your baby is experiencing their body, movement, feeding, play and the world around them.

This is where Occupational Therapy (OT) for babies can make a significant difference!

Why Premature Babies May Need Extra Developmental Support

During the final weeks of pregnancy, babies are still developing in an environment designed perfectly for growth. The womb provides:

• Gentle, continuous movement

• Deep pressure and physical boundaries

• Dim light and muffled sound

• A flexed, tucked body position

• Rhythmic sensory input from the parent’s movement and heartbeat

  
  

When a baby is born prematurely, they transition earlier into a world that can feel:

• Bright

• Noisy

• Less contained

• More physically demanding

Their sensory and nervous systems are still maturing, and this can influence how they respond to everyday experiences.

Some premature babies may:

• Become overwhelmed by sensory input

• Have difficulty settling or sleeping

• Prefer very specific positions

• Tire quickly during feeds

• Find floor play uncomfortable

• Appear stiff or, at times, very floppy

• Avoid certain sensations or movements

These are not behaviour problems and not signs of poor parenting. They are signs that your baby’s system is still learning how to feel organised and regulated.

What Does Occupational Therapy for Premature Babies Focus On?

Paediatric Occupational Therapy supports babies in their everyday “occupations” — the activities that shape their development.

For babies, this includes:

🧸 Play🤱 Feeding💤 Sleeping and settling👶 Bonding and interaction

An Occupational Therapist looks not only at milestones but also considers how your baby is participating in daily life.

Key areas OT supports:

🧠 Sensory Processing

Premature babies may be more sensitive (or sometimes less responsive) to touch, movement, sound and visual input. OT helps babies gradually feel more comfortable with these sensations through gentle, graded experiences.

💪 Body Awareness & Posture

Early birth can affect muscle tone and postural control. Babies may find certain positions tiring or uncomfortable. OT supports positioning and handling that help babies feel secure and stable.

🌿 Regulation

Regulation is a baby’s ability to move between calm and alert states. OT provides strategies to help babies settle, cope with stimulation, and feel more organised in their bodies.

🧸 Early Play Skills

Play is how babies learn. OT supports babies to feel comfortable on the floor, explore their environment, and engage with caregivers — building cognitive, motor and social foundations.

🥄 Feeding Foundations

Feeding requires coordination, endurance and sensory comfort. OT can support the physical and sensory aspects that underpin feeding experiences.

Why Early OT Support Matters

The early months of life are a time of rapid brain development. The brain is highly adaptable, meaning early supportive experiences can have long-lasting benefits.

Occupational Therapy can help:

✨ Improve comfort in different positions✨ Support positive sensory experiences✨ Increase engagement in play✨ Build confidence in movement✨ Make feeding and routines feel easier✨ Support bonding and interaction✨ Reduce stress for parents

Early support is not about pushing babies — it’s about helping them feel safe, organised and ready to explore at their own pace.

What Does OT Support Look Like in Practice?

For babies, therapy is always play-based and woven into daily routines. It may involve:

• Adjusting positioning during play and care routines

• Finding ways to make tummy time more comfortable and fun

• Using touch and movement to support regulation

• Introducing gentle sensory play

• Supporting feeding experiences

• Helping parents understand and respond to their baby’s cues

These small, practical changes can have a big impact.

When Might a Premature Baby Benefit from Occupational Therapy?

It may help to seek paediatric OT support  if your baby:

• Avoids floor play

• Seems uncomfortable in many positions

• Only settles one particular way

• Becomes overwhelmed easily

• Has feeding that feels physically tiring

• Shows strong side preferences

• Appears very stiff or very floppy

• Is not meeting developmental milestones

You don’t need to wait for a clear delay. Early reassurance and support can make daily life easier for both baby and parent.

Our Baby Clinic in County Tyrone

We offer a dedicated Baby Clinic in County Tyrone, located just 10 minutes from the M1, making it easily accessible for families across N.Ireland.

The clinic is held in a calm countryside setting and led by highly specialist paediatric Occupational Therapist Marie.

Sessions are:

💛 Gentle and baby-led💛 Play-based💛 Practical for home life💛 Supportive for parents as well as babies

We support babies with sensory regulation, play engagement, feeding foundations, positioning and early development — including babies born prematurely.

If your baby arrived early, or you simply want reassurance and guidance, early support can make a meaningful difference.

Our Baby Clinic in County Tyrone offers specialist occupational therapy for babies in a nurturing, family-friendly environment.

Get in touch to find out more about upcoming appointments or to ask any questions — we’re here to support both you and your baby. 💛