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!