Helping Babies Reach Their Full Potential
Every baby learns and grows at their own pace—but as a parent, you know when something doesn’t feel quite right. At Mary Free Bed Kids, our Early Development Program is designed to help you find answers, support and peace of mind.
Research shows that early intervention can make a lasting difference in your baby’s growth, motor skills and overall development. Our multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists provides comprehensive evaluations, early identification and individualized care for babies who may be showing signs of developmental delays or other challenges.
From the first visit, we focus on what matters most: helping your baby grow strong, healthy and happy.
Who we serve
Our Early Development Program cares for babies from birth to age 3, regardless of medical history or diagnosis. We see families who may have:
- Concerns about muscle tone, movement or head control
- Questions about feeding, weight gain or nutrition
- Developmental differences noticed by a pediatrician or caregiver
- Risk factors due to premature birth or complex medical history
If you notice your baby isn’t meeting milestones or you’re simply unsure about their progress, don’t wait—early evaluation and intervention can make a world of difference.
What to Expect
During your visit, you and your baby will meet with a team of pediatric rehabilitation specialists who focus on whole-child development.
Your appointment includes:
- Medical assessment: A pediatric nurse practitioner (NP) specializing in rehabilitation medicine will evaluate your baby’s physical, neurological and developmental health.
- General Movement Assessment (GMA): For infants with a corrected age of three months or younger, this simple, non-invasive test evaluates movement patterns and can identify atypical neurological development early.
- Nutritional assessment: A registered dietitian (RD) will review your baby’s feeding habits, growth measurements and overall nutrition to ensure healthy development.
- Therapy screenings: Pediatric physical and occupational therapists observe posture, motor control and reflexes.
- Care coordination: A care manager helps arrange any necessary follow-up services, provides information on payment options and connects families with additional support resources.
Comprehensive Care and Services
Your baby’s care plan may include diagnostic, therapeutic or educational support, depending on their developmental needs.
Services may include:
- Physical therapy to improve movement, balance and coordination
- Occupational therapy to support sensory and fine motor development
- Torticollis and plagiocephaly treatment for babies with neck mobility or head shape concerns
- Feeding and nutrition therapy for improved growth and intake
- Neurology, ophthalmology and audiology referrals when additional assessments are needed
- Orthotic care through Mary Free Bed Orthotics, Prosthetics + Bionics for positioning or support devices
- Our goal is to give every baby the best start possible—supporting development in every area from motor skills to nutrition.
Family Centered Support
We know parenting an infant with developmental concerns can be stressful. That’s why our team provides compassionate, family-centered support throughout the process. You’ll receive:
- Education on what to expect as your baby grows
- Guidance on at-home activities to promote movement and strength
- Help navigating therapy or specialty care referrals
- Emotional support and reassurance from a team that truly cares
Our clinicians collaborate closely with you to create a nurturing, positive experience for your baby—and for you.
Graduating From the Program
When your baby turns 3 years old, they’ll “graduate” from the Early Development Program. If additional therapy or specialized support is needed, our care team will help transition your child to one of our pediatric rehabilitation programs to ensure continued progress.
At every stage, we’re here to help your child move confidently toward their next milestone.
Your Child’s Care Team
At Mary Free Bed Kids, your baby’s care is led by a dedicated team that may include:
- A pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation
- A registered dietitian to support growth and nutrition goals
- A care manager for coordination and family support
- Medical assistants for care and follow-up
- Pediatric physical and occupational therapists specializing in infant development
- Micah Huegel (therapy): Micah is a pediatric physical therapist with advanced expertise in early motor development and parent-guided intervention strategies.
This collaborative team ensures a coordinated, compassionate approach to helping your baby thrive.
Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because we offer:
- Specialized pediatric expertise in early motor and developmental care
- A collaborative team approach focused on whole-child wellness
- We collaborate with the Trinity Health NICU therapists to work with patients who have graduated from their program.
- Family education and empowerment to support continued growth at home
- Coordination across therapy, nutrition and medical specialties
- A warm, welcoming environment that celebrates every milestone
Our goal is to partner with you—providing early support that builds the foundation for a lifetime of healthy development.
Begin Your Child’s Journey
At Mary Free Bed Kids, we’re here from the very beginning to help your baby grow, move and thrive.
