IT’S TUMMY TIME!

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We have all heard, "back to sleep, tummy to play," but how much of the tummy to play is really happening? We know that sleeping on the back is the best position for babies to reduce the risk of SIDS, however, are our babies getting enough playtime on their bellies? This supervised playtime also known as 'tummy time' is very important for gross motor and cognitive development. Often, families will shy away from 'tummy time' because their babies get frustrated in this position rather quickly.

Babies spend a large portion of their day on their backs whether they are sleeping, riding in car seats, playing in bouncy seats, or swings, etc. All of these apparatuses place the baby in the same position or, as we PTs call it, the “supine position.”

This position places stress/pressure on the back of the baby’s head and can lead to flat spots or Plagiocephaly. Recent estimates state that more than 1/2 the babies under 1 year of age will show some type of Plagiocephaly or flat spots. In addition, increased time in the supine position can potentially delay gross motor skills such as rolling, crawling, walking, etc.

In order for a baby to master rolling from their belly to back, they first need to learn to push up while on their stomach. Once this skill is mastered, they can move to rolling, then sitting, crawling, etc. If one of the early gross motor skills is delayed, it can delay others down the road.

Another important aspect of 'tummy time' for babies is that it helps them develop cognitive skills, otherwise known as thinking and reasoning skills. When the baby plays on their stomach, they are able to manipulate toys and play in their environment differently than they can while lying on their back. It gives them a different view or perspective of the world.

Parents often wonder how old their baby should be when doing 'tummy time.' Babies can start tummy time at day one. There are many different ways to do tummy time depending on their age and temperament.

Here are just some ideas of the varying ways tummy time can be performed:

  • Place baby on their belly on parent's chest
  • Place baby on their belly across parent's legs
  • Place baby on their belly on mat, blanket, etc.

While on their belly, place yourself or objects (toys with noise or that have a music component are a good choice) in direct field of vision of baby. Initially the baby will need help propping up and you will want to support them at the arms. You can fold a small towel or receiving blanket and place under the baby's chest to raise them up a bit. This may help them lift up. Or you can use a Boppy pillow or a specifically designed 'tummy time' play mat. These mats help raise the baby up so they can see and interact more. Recommendations: Usually start out for just a few minutes (maybe just 1 initially—this is hard work!). Gradually increase the time and frequency as the baby tolerates. Never leave the baby unsupervised.

Whichever way you decide to do tummy time is unique to each family. What works best for one baby may not work for another. Don't give up if your baby gets frustrated (most do), try again and/or try a different technique and they just might surprise you. They may even take a good nap for you after their work out!

Whether this is your first baby or even your tenth and you would like a little refresher on how to help your baby with this important developmental skill, Tummy Time, please call or email me at 214.856.4653 or DRSHELL@PLAYWITHAPURPOSETHERAPY.COM.

Enjoy those babies!!!

Check us out on www.playwithapurposetherapy.com for more ways to help foster your child’s development!