Infant Development & Newborn Support
Let’s start you and your baby off strong with expert support!
The first weeks and months of your baby’s life are full of wonder, learning, and big transitions. Whether your little one came home after a birth that went completely according to your plan, or more likely a birth that had some unexpectedness, required some time in the NICU, or maybe your little one has already received a diagnosis or had numerous procedures, you’re in the right place. At Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies, we support all newborns and families, offering expert care with warmth and understanding every step of the way.
Research shows that a baby’s brain is highly adaptable in its early years. The learning circuits that form now become the foundation for movement, communication, and social-emotional growth. When we begin therapeutic support early, even when things are going well, we help strengthen healthy development and give families the tools they need to confidently support their baby’s growth at each stage.
You are so excited to have your child home yet, maybe also a little nervous. Now what? It is hard transitioning from the supportive hospital environment to feeling like you are on your own. The good news is, we are here for you! Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies has held the trust of families and physicians for nearly 30 years. We offer the most comprehensive pediatric therapy services in the Chicagoland area. Hummingbird is here to partner with your family and your child’s medical team to help your little one thrive.
Our comprehensive, collaborative team
Your baby’s milestones are influenced by many systems working together: muscles, mouth, language, body movement, feeding, which is why our team approach is so vital.
Physical Therapy (PT)
Supporting early movement, tone, alignment, and motor coordination.
Infant Feeding and Swallowing Therapy
Developing safe and comfortable breast, bottle or tube-feeding routines and then smoothing the transition to solid foods. Ability to evaluate and to make recommendations on tethered oral tissues or tongue ties.
Speech and Language Therapy
Encouraging early vocalizations, gestures and early-communication building skills.
Occupational Therapy (OT), Counseling, and more
Encouraging sensory processing, regulation and integration. Because infant development at Hummingbird is about the whole child and family.
At Hummingbird, each therapy discipline collaborates so your baby’s treatment plan is coordinated, efficient, and family-centered.
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Who benefits from our infant development program?
For babies who spent time in the NICU, early developmental support can be especially meaningful. NICU graduates and their families often go through big transitions when they come home as they adjust to feeding and waking patterns, and living in the family home. Our team understands these unique experiences, as many have a NICU background; we can pick up and meet your family where you are, offering guidance, strategies, and steady reassurance as your baby continues to grow and develop.
This care also supports babies and families who may have a diagnosis related to feeding, muscle tone, expected motor delays, oral-motor coordination, genetic differences, or developmental disorders. You need a team that will walk with you, explain things in a clear and empowering way, and help your baby build skills step by step.
Some parents come to us because they’ve noticed their baby is taking a little longer to roll, struggles with tummy time, isn’t babbling, or is experiencing challenges with feeding. Others reach out for peace of mind or because they want personalized guidance from expert developmental therapists who truly understand early development.
Early intervention at Hummingbird doesn’t only mean “we see a problem.” More often, it means we support your baby and your baby’s growth: strengthening skills, nurturing development, and preventing small challenges from becoming bigger ones later on.
The benefits of early intervention
With early support, feeding becomes more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your baby. Families often share that feeding times feel easier and less stressful once they gain confidence and guidance around feeding routines. As your baby grows, you’ll also notice movement milestones like lifting their head, rolling, sitting, and eventually crawling that emerge with greater strength, coordination, and ease after therapeutic intervention.
Early intervention therapies also nurture the foundations of speech and language. This includes the earliest form of communication, such as babbling, cooing, gestures, eye contact, and purposeful baby-led interactions. By paying attention to their early skills, we help build the strong communication pathways your baby will rely on as they grow.
One of the biggest benefits is peace of mind. When families act early, they often feel more reassured and more prepared. Research shows that early therapeutic support can reduce the need for more intensive interventions later. And throughout this process, you are never alone. You are an essential part of your baby’s team, and our therapists guide you every step of the way, showing you exactly what do at home so you feel confident helping your baby’s development.
What the process looks like at a glance
Phone Intake
Call any of our clinics, and our incredible intake team will learn as much as they can about you and your little one, get you scheduled for an evaluation, and gather your insurance information. You may already know which therapies your child needs, or our team can help you to determine which may be helpful. You will need a prescription from your doctor; if you don’t already have one, we can guide you on how to ask for one. You will be emailed some additional paperwork to fill out before you come in, as well as a complimentary insurance benefit quote.
Initial Evaluation
Each therapist will meet with you to discuss your baby’s birth story, early life, activities, disposition, and feeding experiences. Then, depending on the discipline, they may also evaluate your little one’s muscle tone, movement skills, strength, communication skills, or observe a feeding.
Customized Support Plan
Together, we will map out what therapy might look like for your family, building it out based on milestones, goals, schedules, and realistic expectations.
Hands-On Care and Family Coaching
Our therapists work directly with you and your baby, so that you feel confident practicing the exercises at home. We encourage you to be an active participant in our session and welcome any and all questions you might have.
Ongoing Review and Collaboration
As your baby grows and develops, we will update our therapy goals, celebrate our wins together, and adjust as needed to keep your little one’s momentum going!
You are not alone. We’re here for your family.
From the very first months of life, your baby is growing, exploring, learning and you’re growing right along with them! At Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies, our mission is to nurture hearts, empower minds, support families, and change the world one child at a time. You’re already doing one of the most important things: seeing support and connection for your family.
When you are ready, we’d love to meet you, learn your baby’s story and talk about how we can support you through this early chapter of life!
Ready to get started?
If you have questions or would like to learn more about how Hummingbird can support your infant and family, please contact us.