Every baby develops at their own pace, but when you’re the one watching closely, it can be hard to know what’s simply their own timeline and what’s worth a second look. The Baby MOT is a specialist, head-to-toe developmental assessment for babies from 6 weeks to 12 months, led by Meghna Nebhwani, Specialist Children’s Physiotherapist at Richmond Physiotherapy. It’s a gentle, play-based check of your baby’s movement, posture and early milestones, giving you clear answers and, in most cases, simple reassurance.
What Is a Baby MOT?
A Baby MOT is a one-to-one physiotherapy assessment that looks at how your baby is moving, developing and holding themselves, from head shape and neck movement through to gross motor milestones. It complements the checks already carried out by your health visitor and GP, adding a more detailed, specialist look at your baby’s physical development, with more time than a standard NHS appointment allows.
Who Is the Baby MOT For?
A Baby MOT can be useful whether you have a specific concern or simply want peace of mind. Parents often book because:
- Their baby consistently turns or tilts their head to one side
- A flat spot is developing on their baby’s head
- Their baby doesn’t enjoy, or resists, tummy time
- Their baby seems behind other babies the same age with rolling, sitting or reaching
- Their baby was born via a difficult delivery, needed forceps or ventouse, or was born by caesarean
- Their baby was born prematurely
- Their health visitor or GP suggested a further look
- They’d simply like a specialist opinion and reassurance, even without a specific worry
Conditions We Assess and Treat
Diastasis of the rectus abdominis (DRAM) – separation or widening of the abdominal muscles
Pelvic organ prolapse – a feeling of heaviness or bulge in the vagina
Stress and urge incontinence, and overactive bladder
Pelvic girdle pain, including SPD
Postnatal back pain
C-section scar recovery and scar tissue restrictions
Constipation and other bowel dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction, including pain during sex
Why Start at 6 Weeks?
The Baby MOT is available from 6 weeks, in line with the standard 6-8 week health visitor check. It’s designed to sit alongside this NHS check, adding a specialist layer of input rather than replacing it. That said, we welcome babies for a Baby MOT right up to 12 months, whenever a question or concern comes up.
What Makes Our Baby MOT Different
- Led by Meghna Nebhwani, Specialist Children’s Physiotherapist
- Self-referral – no GP letter needed
- Gentle, play-based and entirely baby-led; nothing is forced, and the pace is set by your baby
- A full, unhurried hour to talk through your questions, not a brief slot
- Onward referral only where it’s genuinely needed, so you’re not left with unnecessary appointments
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
The assessment is floor-based and play-led, so you can bring your baby exactly as they are; there’s no need to prepare anything beforehand. You’ll stay with your baby throughout, and the whole appointment is designed to be relaxed and unhurried, taking around 60 minutes.
What You'll Leave With
- A written report
- A home play and exercise programme
- Clear, reassuring advice tailored to your baby
- Referral to another specialist only if it’s genuinely needed, with next steps explained clearly
Outcomes and Realistic Expectations
Most babies assessed are developing exactly as expected, and parents leave with straightforward reassurance and a few simple things to try at home. Where something is picked up, such as a preference to one side, a flat spot, or mild asymmetry, early, gentle input often makes a noticeable difference within a matter of weeks. Occasionally, a Baby MOT identifies something that needs specialist input beyond physiotherapy, for example a hip concern or tongue-tie; where this applies, we’ll explain this clearly and refer you on promptly.
The Baby MOT is a developmental physiotherapy assessment, not an urgent medical service. If your baby is unwell, has difficulty feeding or breathing, or you have any safety concerns, please contact your GP, health visitor or emergency services straightaway.
One Visit, Two Check-Ups: Baby MOT + Mummy MOT
Many parents booking a Baby MOT are, understandably, also due a postnatal check of their own. Rather than arranging two separate appointments, you can book a Baby MOT and Mummy MOT together in a single visit.
- Baby MOT alone – £150
- Mummy MOT alone – £150
- Combined package, booked together in one visit – £270 (a £30 saving)
Find out more on our Mummy MOT page, or ask about the combined package when you book.
How to Book Your Mummy MOT
Self-referral is welcome – you don’t need a GP letter to book. The initial assessment is £150 for a 60-minute appointment.
FAQs
What age is the Baby MOT suitable for?
The Baby MOT is designed for babies from 6 weeks up to 12 months. If your baby is older and you have a concern, please get in touch and we’ll advise on the best assessment for their age.
Do I need a referral from my GP or health visitor?
No. Self-referral is welcome and no referral letter is required.
Is the assessment painful or upsetting for my baby?
No. The assessment is gentle, play-based and entirely led by your baby throughout.
What happens if something is found during the assessment?
We’ll talk you through it clearly on the day and agree next steps together, including onward referral to another specialist if that’s genuinely needed.
How is this different from the NHS 6-8 week check?
The Baby MOT offers a longer, more detailed look specifically at your baby’s movement and physical development, using a standardised scale (AIMS). It’s designed to complement your NHS check, not replace it.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Just your baby, and anything you’d normally take out with you (a change of clothes, feed, comforter). No special preparation is needed.
How long does the assessment take?
The initial assessment lasts around 60 minutes.
My baby is older than 12 months - can they still be seen?
The Baby MOT is designed for 6 weeks to 12 months, but please contact us if you have a concern about an older baby or toddler; we can advise on the right assessment.
Will we need further appointments?
Most families need just one assessment. If ongoing support or a small number of follow-up sessions would help, this will be discussed and agreed with you directly.