Strive Pediatrics

Strive Pediatrics Doctor Kennedy received her bachelor’s and clinical doctorate from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. She has practiced in top-ranked U.S.

We help babies & children improve their function through holistic Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas. hospitals, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Children’s National Medical Center of Washington D.C., and other outpatient settings. Most of her career was spent treating fragile children in neonatal intensive care units. Now Dr. Kennedy specializes in outpatient, in-home physical therapy, infant massage, and wellness. As a mother of two, she understands both the gifts and challenges of motherhood.

Myth: “My baby hates tummy time… so we should skip it.”Truth: Babies don’t hate tummy time — they hate struggling in tum...
12/15/2025

Myth: “My baby hates tummy time… so we should skip it.”

Truth: Babies don’t hate tummy time — they hate struggling in tummy time.

When your baby fusses, arches, or avoids tummy time, they may be trying to tell you something. Often it’s not “behavior” — it can be overall body restriction, regulation challenges, reflux, or discomfort.

Instead of asking how do I force tummy time? we encourage parents to ask:
👉 Why isn’t my baby comfortable in this position?

Tummy time is essential for:
✔️ Head and neck control
✔️ Core strength
✔️ Motor development
✔️ Feeding and breathing coordination

✨ Start where your baby feels successful:
• Chest-to-chest
• Over your lap
• On an inclined surface

Small, supported, frequent reps > forcing it flat on the floor.

At Strive Pediatrics, we specialize in infant physical and occupational therapy, helping babies feel comfortable in their bodies so they can thrive in sleeping, eating, playing, and yes — even pooping.

Need support?
📥 Download our FREE “Observing Purposeful Movement” Guide on our website
📞 Schedule a complimentary phone consultation with our team

Trust your gut. If something feels off, we’re here to help.

“Why does my baby always look one direction?”This is one of the MOST common questions parents Google.A preference can be...
12/15/2025

“Why does my baby always look one direction?”

This is one of the MOST common questions parents Google.

A preference can be harmless — but it most often is a sign of tight muscles, vision imbalance, or early torticollis. We don't want any preferences to develop until 3-4 years old and we want babies moving symmetrically until then.

Early intervention = easier correction + smoother motor milestones.

If you’re seeing a head turn or tilt that isn’t improving, we can help!

🍼 DM us or schedule a pediatric OT/PT assessment at Strive Pediatrics.

Myth: “Food jags are normal — just keep offering the same thing.”Truth: Sticking to the same safe foods actually acceler...
12/09/2025

Myth: “Food jags are normal — just keep offering the same thing.”

Truth: Sticking to the same safe foods actually accelerates picky eating. Little ones get stuck in a sensory + motor rut.

Food Jag= What is a food jag? A 'food jag' is when a child eats the same foods prepared in the same way, every day or at every meal.

The fix? Micro-exposure variety — tiny changes in flavor, shape, color, or temperature that help expand tolerance without overwhelming the nervous system.

🌈 Small changes = big progress.

If you need more

Strive Pediatrics 2025 Toy Gift Guide Is HERE! 🎉Created by our PTs and OTs — this guide breaks down our favorite develop...
12/02/2025

Strive Pediatrics 2025 Toy Gift Guide Is HERE! 🎉

Created by our PTs and OTs — this guide breaks down our favorite development-boosting toys by age, from newborns all the way to school-age kiddos.

These aren’t “just toys”… they support:
✨ Motor skills
✨ Sensory exploration
✨ Coordination
✨ Early problem-solving
✨ Strength, balance & regulation

Whether you’re shopping for your baby, toddler, preschooler, or BIG kid — we’ve got therapist-approved picks that are fun, durable, and actually help your child thrive.

Swipe to see our full list ➡️
Save this for holiday shopping! 🎄💛

Be sure to SAVE this for later or SHARE with a friend!!

Myth: “Plagiocephaly is purely cosmetic.”Truth: While it’s easy to notice a flattening or asymmetry in your baby’s head,...
11/24/2025

Myth: “Plagiocephaly is purely cosmetic.”

Truth: While it’s easy to notice a flattening or asymmetry in your baby’s head, plagiocephaly isn’t just about appearance.

💡 Here’s what really matters:

- Neck rotation/strength: Babies with head flattening may have tight neck muscles or prefer looking to one side, which can limit movement and affect rolling, crawling, and overall motor development.

- Shoulder and trunk alignment: A head that favors one side can create imbalances in the shoulders and back, impacting posture and coordination.

- Midline visual skills: Symmetrical head positioning supports visual tracking and the ability to bring hands and eyes to midline — an important skill for reaching, grasping, and early writing development.

⚡ What parents can do:
- Early intervention with PT/OT can help correct movement patterns and prevent secondary postural or motor issues.

Remember: early support is key! Plagiocephaly isn’t just about looks — it can impact your child’s overall motor and developmental skills if left unaddressed.

Messy handwriting?Some messiness is totally normal as kids develop. But sometimes, handwriting struggles can signal some...
11/23/2025

Messy handwriting?

Some messiness is totally normal as kids develop. But sometimes, handwriting struggles can signal something bigger—like challenges with visual-motor integration, fine motor skills, or sensory processing.

🚩 Red flags to watch for:

Frequent letter reversals (b/d, p/q, N/Z)

Poor spacing between words/letters

Fatigue or hand pain after short writing tasks

Frustration or avoidance of writing

✅ Helpful strategies:

Multisensory writing (sand trays, chalk, sky writing)

Pencil grips or adapted tools

Play-based fine motor activities (beads, tweezers, putty)

Occupational therapy supports the foundational skills behind handwriting, so kids can write with more ease and confidence in school.

💡 If writing feels harder than it should, an OT can help uncover why and support the skills your child needs.

Strive is growing. We are so excited to welcome our newest PT, Dr. Caroline to the team!! Meet Dr. Caroline, she has fou...
11/21/2025

Strive is growing. We are so excited to welcome our newest PT, Dr. Caroline to the team!!

Meet Dr. Caroline, she has foundation in a holistic approach to medicine and earned her Clinical DPT from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Her clinical work has been centered in pediatrics from the very beginning, with experience across outpatient, acute care, inpatient rehab, and pediatric home health.
She has supported post-NICU infants, infants with torticollis and plagiocephaly, and children with medically complex orthopedic, neurologic, and genetic diagnoses. She is especially passionate about infant development and exploring what may be restricting a child’s movement, so they can build strong foundations and achieve their gross motor milestones.

Dr. Caroline specializes in a variety of techniques and modalities such Total Motion Release for Tots and Teens (TMR TOTs), Gillepsie Approach - Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) and is a Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association Member (NDTA)

Myth: “All kids reach motor milestones at the same age.”Truth: While there are general milestone guidelines, every child...
11/17/2025

Myth: “All kids reach motor milestones at the same age.”

Truth: While there are general milestone guidelines, every child develops at their own pace. Some may crawl early, others may skip crawling and go straight to walking. Some toddlers walk at 9 months, others at 15 months — both can be typical.

💡 Here’s what matters:
- Motor milestones are a range, not a strict deadline.
- PT/OT can help children who are slightly behind or showing uneven development to build strength, coordination, and confidence.
- Early intervention prevents secondary issues like poor posture, low core strength, balance challenges, or compensatory movement patterns.

⚡ Signs parents should watch for:
- Difficulty bearing weight through arms or legs
- Trouble sitting independently or crawling
- Uncoordinated or stiff movements
- Frequent falls or difficulty with balance
- Asymmetrical Movement Patterns (rolling one direction, 3- point crawling, cruising only one direction.)

ALERT NEW BLOG POST: Pacifier: Yes or No? 🤔It’s one of the most common questions parents ask — and the truth is, there’s...
11/14/2025

ALERT NEW BLOG POST:
Pacifier: Yes or No? 🤔
It’s one of the most common questions parents ask — and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

👶🏽Pacifiers can be a helpful tool!
They soothe your baby’s natural sucking reflex, promote calm, and may even reduce the risk of SIDS.
Some pacifiers (like the NinniCo) can support oral motor development by encouraging proper tongue cupping and movement patterns.

But… there are some cons to keep in mind:
➡️ More frequent ear infections after 6–12 months
➡️ Dental misalignment if used long-term
➡️ Can impact speech or tongue movement if used all day
➡️ May cause extra night wakings when it falls out

🌿 OT Tips for Safe Pacifier Use + Weaning:
✨ Limit use to naps and bedtime after 6 months
✨ Keep it clean + replace regularly
✨ Avoid using it for every cry — babies need chances to explore, babble, and self-regulate in other ways
✨ Around 12–18 months, start gentle weaning with positive reinforcement or a “pacifier fairy”

Remember — pacifiers aren’t bad! When used mindfully, they can support regulation and comfort while still promoting healthy oral development.

click the link in our profile to read the full blog which includes tips and recommendations from an infant oral motor expert

If your baby struggles with feeding, sucking, or letting go of the pacifier — an OT or feeding therapist can help support oral motor coordination and smooth transitions.

Written by Dr. Marisa Milavetz, OTD, OTR/L, CLC

Address

2631 Gattis School Road 160 1
Round Rock, TX
78664

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