“Tummy time” is the term that has been coined to describe the time babies spend on their stomachs. Years ago, there was no need for this term because everyone put their babies to sleep on their stomachs. However, just because a baby should not sleep on his stomach (because of the concern of SIDS) doesn’t mean a baby cannot be on his stomach at all.Babies do need time on their tummies while awake in order to learn movement, balance and coordination. They need time on their tummies to help strengthen neck muscles and abdominal muscles, encourage a proper cervical curve (the curve in the neck) and prevent misshapen heads. Babies also need to lie on their tummies in order to learn to lift the head, which is necessary in learning to roll over and push up, all which lead to developmental milestones like crawling.Most babies do not enjoy tummy time initially because they are not used to it or cannot see, but if we do not encourage it, they will never get used to it. You can start tummy time when your baby is first born by laying your baby on his or her tummy on your lap, on your chest or by holding your baby’s tummy against your forearm, with the head supported by the crook of your arm and your hand between his legs. You can also use two arms and cradle your little one under his tummy. Start with just a couple of minutes at a time and work up to 15 minutes a day. Teach your child early, and he will not hate the position and cry. Rather, you will see your baby thrive as he learns to like it. Your baby needs to be able to stretch and strengthen the back and neck muscles. If this doesn’t happen, it can lead to early motor delays.When ready to try tummy time out of your arms, start with your baby on his tummy on the floor on a blanket. If he gets fussy, lift him up, cuddle him and try again later or the next day. You can use a rolled towel or special pillow to help prop baby up under his chest and armpits. Mirrors are fun to look at, or you can put toys just out of baby’s reach. As your baby gets older, lie on the floor with him, put toys to the side or in front of baby to stimulate him. Use toys that make noise to encourage him to try to turn his head to the sound. Better yet, your face is the thing baby wants to see most. Make faces, sing songs, or do anything to get baby’s attention. Be sure to praise your baby with each accomplishment.By three months, baby should be spending about 30 to 60 minutes a day on his tummy. This should be supervised and in spurts throughout the day.You can get creative and begin to incorporate tummy time after a diaper change or after you get baby dressed. This way, baby will expect it, and it will not be so scary. In addition, it is a good idea to limit your baby’s time spent in a car seat, swing or jumper, where movement is restricted. Be sure you alternate time spent on the back under an activity center with tummy time.If you see that your baby prefers to hold his head to one side or will not turn easily to one side, consider a visit to a chiropractor. A misalignment in the neck, especially the first vertebrae, can lead to difficulty turning the head. This can be examined and analyzed by your chiropractor and is usually easily correctable with a gentle adjustment.Tummy time causes an increase in interest in your child’s surroundings, enabling baby to learn what is out there. Little or no tummy time can cause a child to bypass crawling, and that can lead to developmental problems.Francine J. Palmer, DC, FICPAPalmer Chiropractic, PC719-494-1395www.palmer-chiropractic.com
