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Spina Bifida, while less common than in decades past, is still a significant complication among live births in the United States. Attributed to a birth defect which may, in some cases, be preventable, women who are considering pregnancy should seek out the guidance and attention of an obstetrician early in pregnancy, if not before, so as to reduce the fetal risk of Spina Bifida. When blessed with a child suffering with Spina Bifida, parents are often overwhelmed with the variety of health complications the child may, or will, have. Motor skills are often the most notable physical complications of a child suffering from Spina Bifida and one which progressively deteriorates even into adulthood. For parents, understanding the dynamics of the gross and fine motor complications of Spina Bifida, will work to ensure a more pleasant transition through the child growth and development process.

Of the motor skills often impacted by Spina Bifida, those of the lower extremity are the most profoundly impaired. To encourage mobility in the Spina Bifida individual, especially during the years involved in the most significant child growth and development, parents should become well versed in methods to encourage ambulation. These methods of ambulation can be discussed and learned through the interaction with a physical therapist who is involved and experienced in the child growth and development aspects of Spina Bifida. To optimize ambulation in the Spina Bifida toddler who is beginning to explore the world, the use of assistive walking devices will play a key role in the child's development. With these assistive medical devices, toddlers can learn to move from a crawl, or even a four extremity gait, to a two extremity gait. Most often, when introduced to the walking assistive device at a young age, the Spina Bifida child will progress through the transition from crawling to walking with involvement and interaction from a team that includes both the parents and a physical therapist.

In addition to assistive medical devices in physical therapy, many parents of Spina Bifida children, report a significant success in the transition in mobility when regular and consistent visits to an accessible playground becomes a commonplace for play. Finding a playground that is modified for the physically impaired will offer the Spina Bifida child an opportunity to explore the environment and improve muscle strength and mobility at the same time. In addition to improved mobility through playground and assistive walking devices, many children with Spina Bifida also experience a struggle to develop fine motor skills. Because the brain most likely has suffered some degree of impairment, the Spina Bifida child often benefits from a variety of eye-hand coordination tasks in which to strengthen the brain function most involved in fine motor skill development.

In addition to playground activity, parents can also consider fun and engaging tasks such as coloring and activities which involve catching. Begin with large items such as large kickballs or even beach balls; something large enough to encourage the child's movement toward the item and an engagement of eye to hand coordination. In terms of coloring, consider using writing assistive devices which aide the child in holding the crayon or marker and place the color within the lines of large, bold typed coloring books. As the parents of any child with a birth defect, becoming educated in the latest medical technology involving child growth and development, while eagerly working to participate in those activities, will provide the child with the best opportunity to grow and be as independent as possible. For children with Spina Bifida, learning to walk in a two-legged gait is a significant achievement that can be realized with the collaborative effort of parents, pediatrician and physical therapists.