Tummy Time
by Samantha Everette
Whether at the doctor’s office, in a Baby and Me class, or through parenting content on social media, most of us have been exposed to the value of tummy time. Infants spend a considerable amount of time on their backs: during sleep, in car seats, strollers, and swings. While being positioned on the back is necessary in most cases, too much time can contribute to delays in motor, speech, and cognitive skills. Tummy time refers to placing an infant on their stomach for a period of time while they are awake. This position helps to strengthen the neck, back, and arm muscles needed to achieve motor milestones such as head control, sitting, rolling, and crawling. It also keeps pressure off the back of the head, decreasing the risk of flat spots. Tummy time also promotes sensory development, allowing infants to experience changes in their body position, receive feedback from surfaces underneath their body, and explore new textures. Tummy time doesn’t have to be an extravagant event. It can be done a few minutes at a time throughout the day or as much as your baby can tolerate. Always remember that tummy time should be supervised and performed while the baby is alert.
Here are 10 ways to do tummy time with your baby:
Placed in Front of a Toy or Mirror
Placing your baby in front of a mirror or toy keeps them occupied and promotes head control and fine motor skills.
Propped on a Nursing Pillow.
Propping your baby on a nursing pillow or towel roll underneath their chest alleviates pressure from their elbows while they are learning to hold themselves up.
Positioned in a Football Hold
Hold your baby with one hand supporting the pelvis while the baby's head rests in the bend of the elbow.
Tummy to Tummy
Place the baby on your stomach or chest while talking or singing to them.
While Nursing
Nurse baby while lying in a semi-reclined position. Allow the baby to rest on your stomach with their core supported.
Positioned on Your Knees
Position baby's stomach down over your knees. Bounce or rock knees side to side for added movement.
Superman
Lift the baby in the air, supporting them at the rib cage while they look down at you.
Magic Carpet Ride
Position your baby on a large blanket with a nursing pillow or towel roll underneath their chest. Move the blanket slowly throughout the room, allowing your baby to ride on the blanket.
On a Different Surface
Do tummy time on carpet, a textured blanket, or a yoga mat so your baby can get the sensation of different surfaces.
Back Massage
Perform a back massage over clothes or skin-to-skin using an unscented oil while your baby is in tummy time. This can help babies relax and calm the nervous system
“Tummy time doesn’t have to be an extravagant event. It can be done a few minutes at a time throughout the day or as much as your baby can tolerate.”