Beyond the NICU - development resources (updated 2 August)

The good news is, there is life beyond the NICU!

The not-so-good news is, sometimes it’s not all smooth sailing just because you’re out of hospital.  As I find them or think of them I’ll try to post any useful links for people who have an older prem.

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Noah’s Ark Toy Library and Resource Centre for Children with Special Needs

This was recommended to me by a physiotherapist, who said it is open to any child in WA (prem or not) who is receiving any sort of ongoing treatment/assessment.  In other words you don’t have to be “disabled” to be able to borrow some really great toys - we would have qualified just due to being referred to the physio after our 12 month corrected check up.  http://www.natl.org.au/ They are based in Morley but have a mobile service which goes from Moora/Northam down to Margaret River, and if you’re further away from Perth they can send you toys by post.

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Play ideas brochures

These leaflets are produced by the Play and Learning Program at the State Child Development Centre.  They have some great ideas for all children, prem or not.  Topics include:  Active Play, Concentration, Drawing and Painting, First Songs, Fun With Books, Hand Skills, Homemade Toys, Let’s Play, Music, Songs and Movement, Play and Toys for Babies, Play and Toys for Toddlers, Play and Toys for Young Children, Playdough (including recipes), Pretend Play, Puzzles and Games, Sand and Messy Play, Self Care Skills, Talking and Playing, Water Play

Information elsewhere on this site

Fine motor and play activity ideas for 12 month olds (resource material from the Play and Learning programme)

Fine motor activity ideas for 1 to 2 year olds (resource material from the Play and Learning programme)

Pretend play activity ideas for 1.5 to 2 year olds (resource material from the Play and Learning programme)

Sensory Processing (information summary)

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Occupational Therapy information sheets

from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.  They are designed to be used in conjunction with professionals but are written for parents.

http://www.rch.org.au/ot/infosheet/index.cfm?doc_id=10029

Topics include
- Encouraging young babies to use their hands
- Encouraging older babies to use their hands
- Encouraging toddlers to use two hands
- Low Muscle Tone
and lots of stuff to do with hands and fingers.