A neonatal occupational or physical therapist supports early motor development, feeding skills and sensory processing. Premature and sick babies can be sensitive to light, sound and touch, and handling that seems gentle to adults can feel stressful to them.

At Apex, physiotherapy services are part of the hospital group, and therapy support helps babies prepare for life outside the NICU. The therapist advises on positioning so that limbs stay relaxed and the head stays in a comfortable position. The therapist also watches how the baby responds to sound and light, such as turning to a voice or briefly focusing on a face, and guides the team on dimming lights and reducing noise. Feeding skills such as sucking, swallowing and breathing together are practised gently.

Neonatal therapist responsibilities include:

• Positioning and Handling: Using supportive nests, swaddling and gentle handling that keep a baby's limbs curled and calm, protecting muscles and joints and reducing stress during care.
• Sensory Support: Guiding the team on dim light, low noise and calm touch, and noticing how a baby responds to voices and faces, which supports healthy hearing and vision development.
• Feeding Skill Development: Practising the coordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing, so that babies can move from tube feeds to breast or bottle safely and comfortably.
• Early Motor Development and Parent Teaching: Encouraging normal movement and showing parents simple activities for home, with referral for follow-up if development seems delayed.