Language of Movement: Breath, Posture, Vision & Emotion Guide Baby Development, DNS .

In this article I wish explain why I have such a huge appreciation for the Prague Schools DNS, developed by famous Prof.Pavel Kolar a pediatric physical therapists in Prague. Baby development typically focus is on the big movement milestones, such as rolling, crawling, to upright standing, and walking. However, what actually gets a baby from lying on their back to taking their first step? It’s not just about muscles, it’s about the body working as a dynamic integrated system, where breathing, posture, vision, and emotion (think: looking up and reaching for mum) all come together to build a strong foundation for movement and learning.

It all starts with breath. From the very beginning, proper breathing is the engine behind core stability. When babies breathe well using the diaphragm in a relaxed, rhythmic pattern

they begin to stabilize their trunk in the sagittal plane, which is essential for posture. A stable core allows a baby to lift their head, control their limbs, and begin the beautiful cascade of developmental movements.

As stability improves, babies begin to reach. Reaching isn’t just about grabbing, it’s a critical developmental step that connects vision, posture, and motor control and even speech development. A baby sees something interesting, orients their eyes toward it, stabilizes their trunk through their breath and core, and then reaches with intention. This simple action trains eye-hand coordination, refines visual tracking, and strengthens the connection between perception and action.

The visual system plays a huge role in this process. Around two to three months, babies begin to visually track moving objects and lock their gaze on faces and toys. Vision helps guide movement, giving babies a target to reach toward, roll toward, or crawl toward. This visual engagement also boosts attention, curiosity, and cognitive development.

And throughout all of this, emotions are quietly shaping the way babies move. A calm, regulated baby breathes more efficiently, holds their posture with more ease, and is more motivated to interact with their environment. A stressed or dysregulated baby, on the other hand, may have shallow breathing, poor trunk control, or avoid reaching and eye contact.

Emotions influence muscle tone, movement patterns, and even how babies engage with others. In physical therapy and Developmental Kinesiology (DNS), we look at how all these systems work together, Is the baby breathing with ease?Are their eyes tracking and guiding their hands? Do they have enough core stability to reach, roll, or sit?Are they emotionally engaged and responsive during movement?

When all of these systems are working in sync, development unfolds naturally. Breath supports posture. Posture supports reaching. Vision guides motion. Emotion fuels motivation. And from that integrated dance comes progress from wiggles to purposeful movement, and eventually, confident walking.

Gestalt Movement & Myotherapy

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