This blog explains the importance of tummy time and ways to sneak this necessary developmental task in throughout the day.

Why is it Important?

I have been blessed to work with hundreds of babies in my career and this is a topic that always comes up. Let’s start with why tummy time is important. Babies benefit from this time for a variety of reasons.

Time babies spend on their tummies help improve head shape and prevent flat spots on the back of the baby’s head.

Tummy time also is an excellent way to strengthen the baby’s shoulders and neck. Occupational therapists often talk about the importance of proximal strength. Proximal strength is the strength starting in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. If you have a strong foundation, it trickles all the way down to the fingertips. If you have weak proximal strength, it will make fine motor tasks much more challenging to complete.

Also, it is an excellent way for babies to learn early mobility. Getting babies comfortable on their tummies early on will help as babies grow and start working on pushing on extended arms, army crawling, getting on all fours, rocking on all fours, and eventually crawling. This all helps build neck, back, and core strength needed for sitting, standing, and walking. As babies start becoming mobile, the tummy is more of a transitional position to go in and out of sitting and crawling.

But, what if my baby hates tummy time? Here are my go-to tips to get over this hurdle…

(Reminder that these activities should always be supervised and completed when baby is awake)

• Start your baby’s tummy time when awake early on to make this a natural part of the baby’s daily routine. Start with your baby on their tummy while laying on your chest to ease into the activity. Those early months are tiring, so I recommend making it a part of the routine. For example, baby wakes up, has a diaper change, and then a few minutes of your baby being on their tummy Try avoiding putting baby on their tummy right after a feeding.

• Keep tummy time brief and just do it more frequently until the baby is less fussy with the activity. Try having your time outdoors or in various places to mix things up.

• Tummy time over a small towel roll, a Boppy pillow, or parent leg while looking at toys or singing to your baby.

• Tummy time on a play mat or the floor. Place toys, a mirror, or a parent or sibling  in view to encourage the baby to lift her head and increase strength.

• Tummy time supported over a small ball (think trampoline ball, beach ball, or small yoga ball)

Talk to your pediatrician or reach out to the therapists at Conquer Therapy for a consultation if you are really struggling in this area.