Dr. Brita DeStefano is a Denver based mom of 2 and founder of Progress Through Play. As an infant physical therapist and craniosacral fascial therapist she supports children and their families from birth through their first steps. Dr. DeStefano specializes in torticollis, head flattening, tummy time, infant milestones, and oral ties, utilizing a range of manual and functional therapies to enhance each child’s development and well-being.
Tell us about your work as a pediatric physical therapist, and why you started @progressthroughplay.
I've been a pediatric physical therapist for over 13 years, dedicating my entire career to this field. Almost 5 years ago, I founded Progress Through Play with the aim of providing comprehensive, holistic support to infants and their families from the very beginning. Our practice focuses on the crucial first year of life, helping babies from birth until they take their first steps. By specializing in this period, we aim to lay a strong foundation for lifelong success.
What is a fun fact about pediatric physical therapy that most people don't know?
Many people don’t realize that pediatric physical therapists play a significant role in supporting babies' breast and bottle-feeding journeys. Feeding is a full-body activity, and we help improve the experience through manual therapies and functional exercises, enhancing a baby's overall quality of feeding and quality of life. Through our work with infant feeding we can also have a positive impact on their sleep, digestion and overall comfort.
Can you share your top 5 practical tips for parents to help promote development at home?
1. **Choose the floor first**: Infants need room to move. Instead of using container devices like bouncers, seats, or exersaucers, create a safe floor space for unrestricted movement.
2. **Tummy time from day 1**: Tummy time can start right from birth, initially on your body and gradually transitioning to the floor as they grow stronger.
3. **Rotisserie method**: Vary your baby’s play positions. Side-lying, back-lying, and being supported in your arms or lap are just as crucial as tummy time for balanced development. Think of it like a rotisserie chicken—muscles need to get strong on all sides.
4. **Learn about the mini milestones**: Don’t just focus on the big milestones discussed at pediatrician visits. There are many mini-milestones along the way that are equally exciting. Understanding these can help you celebrate every step of your baby’s journey.
5. **Enjoy the journey**: Development is not a race. Each child follows their unique timeline. Avoid comparing your child to others and focus on what’s normal for your baby to ease anxiety about their progress.
How do you incorporate play into your therapy sessions to make them enjoyable for kids?
Play is central to pediatric physical therapy. The key is to discover each child's specific motivations and make the sessions as child-led as possible. I also involve parents and siblings to engage the babies in fun activities during therapy. This playful approach is so integral to my practice that it inspired the name "Progress Through Play."
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you in your work?
Our practice motto is: "Babies deserve to feel good in their bodies so they can breathe, eat, sleep, poop, and play better." I firmly believe that both parents and infants deserve to be heard, and that the quality of movement and life matters. Many families come to us after feeling dismissed by other providers, and we always defer to parents as the experts on their own children.
What are your favorite products at Copper Pearl?
I love the thick burp cloths, especially since both of my babies had reflux, and I support many families in the same situation. And, of course, as a physical therapist, I have to highlight the stacking cups—a classic toy that I use daily in my practice.
