Seated Shoulder Exercises for Babies: Supporting Development & Milestones
The Baby Edition
Disclaimer: this advice is general only and isn't specific to you and your child's needs. It's intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns please check in with us (if you’re a client) or with your local health practitioner if you’re not.
Seated Shoulder Exercises for Babies: Supporting Development & Milestones
We find a few intentional home exercises might help you and your baby get there!
Sit baby between your legs and:
- Lift one arm up outwards and above their head
- Do the other side
- Repeat but this time add in a side bend
- And repeat the other side!
Note that Kristin has to hold down the pelvis of this baby purely because it’s a doll!
The idea is to improve shoulder girdle range of motion and stretch out trunk fascia as well.
Strong shoulders are essential for your baby’s ability to roll, crawl, sit, and eventually walk. Seated shoulder exercises are simple, gentle movements that can help improve mobility, balance muscle tone, and support natural milestone progression.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Sydney, we often recommend these exercises as part of a home routine for parents. By encouraging shoulder stability and mobility, these stretches:
Support motor milestones like sitting and crawling.
Encourage better posture as your baby learns to balance upright.
Relieve upper body tension from birth position or feeding postures.
Strengthen coordination between arms, head, and spine.
Complement chiropractic care for overall development and comfort.
Gentle, play-based seated shoulder exercises help your baby explore movement in a fun way. They also give parents an easy way to stay involved in supporting growth at home, alongside chiropractic care in clinic.
FAQ:
Q: Why are seated shoulder exercises important for babies?
A: They help build strength and flexibility in the shoulder girdle, which supports key milestones like sitting, crawling, and reaching.
Q: Can shoulder exercises help with baby posture?
A: Yes. These movements encourage upright balance, reduce tightness, and help babies transition into sitting and crawling with better alignment.
Q: Are seated shoulder exercises safe for newborns?
A: Exercises are best introduced when your baby has head control (around 3–4 months). Always keep them gentle, playful, and parent-guided.
Q: How does chiropractic care support baby shoulder development?
A: A baby chiropractor can assess posture, tension, and milestones, then recommend safe adjustments and exercises like seated shoulder work to support development.
Q: Where can I find a baby chiropractor in Sydney?
A: Nomad Chiropractic, based in Mosman, offers gentle, family-focused chiropractic care to support babies, children, and parents through every stage.
