Parents often report that they do not place their baby on their tummy because the baby does not like it and cries. Some parents misunderstand their doctor’s advice to avoid the prone position during sleep and therefore fail to include tummy time in their baby’s daily routine.
Since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended placing infants on their backs for sleep in order to reduce cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the amount of time infants spend in bouncers, infant seats, and other support devices has increased.
The AAP recognized that the increased amount of time infants spent on their backs led to an increase in plagiocephaly cases, meaning the development of a flattened area on the part of the baby’s head—mainly at the back—that rests against the mattress. The same was observed with torticollis, a condition in which the head is turned in one direction and tilted laterally toward the opposite side, as noted by the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
In addition, delays in infants’ motor development were noted, as the muscle weakness and lack of head and trunk stability that were observed could delay the acquisition of gross motor skills.
It is therefore very important for babies to spend time in the prone position, meaning on their tummy. Tummy time helps babies develop head control and important motor skills.
“Back to sleep, tummy to play!”
Tips for introducing and maintaining tummy time
- Start placing your baby on their tummy while they are still a newborn.
- Start with a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the total amount of tummy time to up to an hour in intervals as your baby grows.
- Incorporate tummy time into activities such as bathing, diaper changes, and play.
- From around five months of age, allow your baby to play and move around on their tummy on large surfaces, such as your double bed or the floor, always under supervision. On the floor, place large pieces of firm foam, play mats or a blanket to make the baby more comfortable and safe. If your baby seems uncomfortable and resists the position, continue introducing it gradually, increasing the amount of time spent on their tummy day by day. You will soon notice a change.
Positions for introducing and maintaining tummy time
Position 1. Place your baby tummy-down on your chest while you are lying down. Use your hands to provide support around the lower pelvic area. Even if your newborn cannot yet lift their head, this position will give them time to become accustomed to being on their tummy and will help strengthen the muscles of the neck and back.
Position 2. Try to position yourself at the same level as your baby while they are on their tummy. Your face and voice are excellent motivators for your baby to lift their head. Move a toy in front of them to encourage them to turn their head.
Position 3. Place your baby across your legs while you are sitting on an armless chair with your feet flat on the floor. You can position one leg slightly higher on the side where your baby’s arms and head are resting.
Position 4. Hold your baby in your arms, supporting them with your hands—one hand positioned between their legs and underneath their tummy, and the other underneath their forearms to support their head.
Position 5. After a diaper change, place your baby on their tummy and use a towel rolled up underneath their chest, with their arms positioned in front of the roll. You can also use mirrors as toys so that your baby will lift their head to look at their reflection.
You can watch the positions demonstrated in the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCn1-xNbib0
Give your baby time to become accustomed to being on their tummy. It is a position for play, but at the same time, it is a position for work out!