What’s the Fuss Around Tummy Time?

One of the most common questions I get asked by moms is “When can we start tummy time with our baby?” Tummy time starts the day your baby comes home from the hospital.

Many babies do not enjoy tummy time especially in the beginning. When starting to incorporate tummy time, you may notice that your baby seems fussy or resistant to the new activity. There is nothing wrong with this behaviour. Start with one to five minutes at a time, several times during the day. The goal is to build up to 20 to 30 minutes in total per day. Allow your baby to spend a few minutes on their tummy after each diaper change. Avoid tummy time immediately after eating and when baby is already distressed.

Tummy time does not imply that your baby has to be lying still on their tummy. Any time you carry or play with your baby while they are on their belly counts as tummy time. Find ways to keep their interest and make this activity more enjoyable by, for example, providing different toys and rattles, singing songs, lying on your back with baby facing you on your chest, changing locations and having different things to look at, as well as encouraging eye contact to enhance head control.

There are a lot of benefits involved with tummy time for both mental and physical development. It helps with bone development, and improves muscle strength especially of the back, neck and shoulder muscles. It is important for developing head control, assists with sensory integration and cognitive development, as well as visual stimulation. Tummy time is the building block for other movements and activities such as gross motor skills including rolling, sitting and crawling. Furthermore, it also helps prevent areas of flattening on the back or side of the skull, or straight across the back of the head.

Tummy time can also help prevent torticollis which refers to muscle spasms usually on one side of the baby’s neck which usually results in favouring facing one way over the other. Even with tummy time, some babies might develop an area of flattening on the skull or stiff necks. During the first four months after birth, these conditions can be treated well with conservative chiropractic care. If repositioning does not improve the shape by the time they are four months old, and it is a severe case, they may be referred for a head shape assessment with an orthotist who would be able to assist with cranial orthosis also known as a helmet.

Frequently Asked Questions: tummy time with babies:

  1. What is tummy time?
    Tummy time is the practice of placing babies on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. It is essential for developing strong neck, back, and shoulder muscles and helps prevent flat spots on the back of the baby’s head.
  2. When should I start tummy time with my baby?
    tummy time can be started as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital. Initially, aim for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, and gradually increase the duration as your baby grows stronger.
  3. How much tummy time does my baby need?
    Newborns can start with 1-2 minutes of tummy time per session and gradually work up to a total of 20 minutes per day by the time they are 3 months old. By 4 months of age, most babies should be able to handle 20-30 minutes of tummy time per session.
  4. What if my baby doesn’t like tummy time?
    It’s common for babies to be uncomfortable with tummy time initially. You can make it more enjoyable by getting down to their level, using toys or mirrors to engage them, and placing them on different surfaces like a play mat or a soft blanket. Gradually increasing the duration and ensuring they are rested and not hungry can also help.
  5. Is tummy time safe if my baby has reflux?
    Yes, tummy time can be safe for babies with reflux. However, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after feeding to avoid any discomfort. If your baby shows signs of distress during tummy time, consult your pediatrician for advice and possible modifications.

Always remember to supervise your baby during tummy time and never leave them unattended. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, gently move them to their back to continue sleeping.

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