Why Tummy Time is Important for Development
January 5, 2022
Tummy Time!
We have all heard of tummy time, but what do we really know about it? Tummy time is not just putting your baby on the floor on their stomach and “leaving them there to figure it out on their own.” There is much more to it than that! Tummy time is important from the newborn stage to about six months. Now this doesn’t mean that kiddos won’t be on their tummy after six months, but are less likely because they are generally sitting around this time. It is important to note that tummy time must be monitored based on baby’s head control. You are going to utilize more positions as the child is able to move his/her head around more.
Why is Tummy Time Important and How is it Done?
Tummy time is important for muscle development (delays can be a sign of something going on). Tummy time isn’t just being flat on the floor- there are different positions that can be utilized along with being flat on floor, including:
- On parent’s chest
- Superman in parent’s arms
- Over boppy pillow on forearms
- On a stability ball
- Over parent’s leg or towel roll
- On any inclined surface
Can There be too Much Tummy Time?
Yes! If an infant spends too much time on their belly, it can lead to:
- Difficulty rolling
- Flinging back in sitting
- Arching
- Poor visual tracking
- Delayed transitions
- Difficulty with tummy time could be associated with reflux (kiddos with reflux often resist tummy time)
Our advice is that a wide variety of positions and movements are key to healthy development! No one position of posture should be maintained for hours on end! Tummy time needs to be balanced with other positions such as lying on back, sitting, and side-lying. A combination of all of these positions are important for development!
QUICK TIPS
- Good to start tummy time on an inclined surface where head is higher than hips
- Be entertaining!! Find what motivates a child to remain on their tummy
- Review developmental milestones to make sure child is meeting them (a physician or a therapist can access for this!)
Shout out to our pediatric physical therapy team, especially Hillary Bohanan, physical therapist assistant for sharing her tummy time knowledge! If you have questions about your child's developmental milestones and/or tummy time, please seek out assistance from a healthcare provider! The Pediatric Movement Center can be reached at 301-739-5437!
Apraxia is a motor speech disorder. Childhood apraxia of speech is a rare, but lifelong disorder that makes it difficult for individuals to move their mouth muscles in order to speak. The important thing to note about Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is that the child knows what they want to say, but may struggle with connecting the brain to the muscles that must accompany speech.
If you have a child who is a selective eater, learn about some time-tested eating tips including: nutrition guidelines, tips for parents during meal times, and types of food children tend to enjoy. Try a combination of these tricks and find what will work best for your family.
In a world often filled with uncertainty, Liam, a courageous six-year-old boy, has proven that faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of family can overcome even the most daunting challenges. His journey began on December 11th, 2023 when Liam fell down the stairs. What was thought to have been a seemingly innocent incident, quickly spiraled into a life-altering spinal stroke. Within moments, Liam went from a lively child full of energy to being paralyzed from the neck down, which left his family in shock, grappling with fear and confusion as they navigated the unknown.
0T-Inspired Mother's Day Crafts
Sometimes kids struggle with trying different foods, especially different textures of foods. Repeat exposure and sensory integration through play helps them become accustomed to various textures, such as sticky, soft, crunchy, smooth. To help your child along the way, build a food sensory board allowing them to experience various foods and textures in a fun and colorful manner. The more exposure without expectation to eat the foods, the more likely they will be to try the foods. Present it to them as a snack in a low-pressure environment. Think kid-friendly, finger foods. Be sure to include one or two of their favorites so they have something familiar and comforting on the board as well. Use a muffin tin, ice cube tray or another divided plate to allow for all foods to be presented in a visually appealing manner. A sensory charcuterie board can be customized to fit your child’s interests. For easy grocery shopping list, check out our downloadable list! To incorporate different textures:
In today’s world, screens are everywhere — from tablets and phones to TVs and computers. And while screen time can be fun and educational, it’s important to use it wisely, especially for our youngest learners (birth to 5 years old). The good news? With a little planning and creativity, screen time can be a positive part of your child’s day. If some screen time is right for your family, let’s focus on making it meaningful and interactive. And let’s not forget—there’s a whole world beyond the screen waiting to be explored! Make Screen Time Meaningful Not all screen time is created equal! To get the most out of it, try some of the following tips: Plan what your child watches – Choose age-appropriate shows or apps with educational value. Watch together – Use screen time as bonding time! Talk about what’s happening and ask questions. Record and replay – Save programs for a time that works best for your routine. Encourage active watching – Pause to talk, sing along, or move with the characters. Watch Together: Sit with your child while they watch a show or play a game. Ask questions, sing along, or repeat what you see. This helps build language and thinking skills. Play Along on Apps: There are great interactive apps out there—ones that teach letters, shapes, emotions, and more. Choose ones that encourage tapping, talking, or problem-solving. Press Pause: Pause the show to ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think that character feels?” Turning passive watching into conversation boosts comprehension. Make it Active: Turn a show into a game—can your child dance like the characters or act out a scene afterward? Movement helps with memory and motor skills! Mealtime = Screen-Free Time Turning off screens during meals can help your family connect more deeply. Here’s how to ease into it: Start slow – Focus on one meal at a time. Try fun substitutes – Play soft music, read a short book, or chat about your day. Model the change – When adults skip screens, kids follow suit. Let other caregivers (like grandparents or nannies) know your plan. Stick to a schedule – Eliminate screens from one meal or snack every week or two. In a month or two, you’ll be enjoying screen-free meals with more mindful eating and conversation. Screen Time Alternatives Looking for ways to keep little ones busy without a screen? Try these fun ideas: Get outside – Visit a park, go on a nature walk, or plant a small garden together. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a trip to the park, or watering plants in the yard, outdoor time helps kids burn energy and explore the world. Make an obstacle course – Use cushions, boxes, or toys for indoor or outdoor fun. Crawling under, jumping over, and balancing are all great for motor development. Craft and Create – Finger painting , gluing, cutting, and building with blocks help kids learn focus and coordination—and it’s fun! Story time Fun: Read books, make up stories together, or turn on music and tell a tale using puppets or stuffed animals. Unwind without screens – Before bed, try puzzles, books, songs, or crafts to help your child wind down, relax, and improve sleep. Kids Learn Best Through Interaction Children learn from everything they do—especially what they do with you. So whether it’s watching a show, building a tower, or dancing in the kitchen, the magic happens when we join in. With some thoughtful choices and a focus on connection, it can be a helpful tool — just one part of a healthy, active lifestyle for your little one. Article Sources: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/children-and-screen-time, https://www.kvhealthcare.org/2024/10/mealtime-without-screens/#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20suggestions%3A,an%20easy%20way%20to%20begin, https://occupationaltherapy.com.au/managing-screentime-in-children/, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-infants-toddlers-and-preschoolers-birth-to-5-years
