Putting Baby On Tummy is Vital for Physical Development Milestones to Be Reached

My pediatrician recommends putting babies daily on their tummies. I’ve tried it and but my baby doesn’t like it! Because he fussed, I was tempted to keep him mostly on his back for playtime.

However, in doing so, I learned I actually may be delaying his overall development.

Putting Baby on Tummy is Key to Early Child Development

The American Physical Therapy Association spokesperson Judy Towne Jennings, PT, MA, a physical therapist and researcher said, “We have seen first-hand what the lack of tummy time can mean for baby:

Developmental Delays
Cognitive Delays
Organizational Skills Delays
Eye-Tracking Problems
Behavioral Issues

…to name just some complications.” Jennings explains, “that because new parents now use car seats that also serve as infant carriers – many of which fasten directly into strollers and swings without having to remove the baby from the seat – this generation of babies spends prolonged periods of time in one position.”

Avoid Keeping Baby in One Position for Prolonged Periods

“She recommends that awake babies be placed in a variety of positions, including on their tummies, as soon as they return home from the hospital. Ideally, babies should be placed on their tummies after every nap, diaper change and feeding, starting with 1-2 minutes.” (American Physical Therapy Association Article 2008)

Slowly work up to a total minimum of 30 minutes a day. The time baby spends on his tummy should increase with age. As he gets older, tummy time also gives him opportunities to prepare for crawling.

With a Little Perseverance and Creativity, Tummy Time Can Be a Success

It can be a challenge making tummy time enticing for baby.

Start by choosing the right time in baby’s routine to introduce tummy time. Avoid trying tummy time when baby is prone to be fussy like when he’s hungry or tired.