Why is tummy time for babies important?
In 1992, an educational campaign was launched aimed at having healthy babies sleep on their backs to decrease the infant mortality rate from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Since the adoption of the “Back to Sleep” Campaign, the occurrence of SIDS has decreased by 50%.
But every rose has its thorns. Along with the decline of SIDS, a greater awareness of a condition called positional plagiocephaly has grown, in which an infant’s head is flattened or misshapen from too much time in the back position in the first months of life.
Because babies are more often being placed on their backs to sleep, they spend less time lying on their stomachs than they used to get each day. This lack of Tummy Time may contribute to early motor delays, plagiocephaly, and other issues.
How Can I Implement Tummy Time?
Tummy Time should begin soon after birth, beginning with a few minutes and working up to an hour total per day—in short intervals—by three months of age.
Babies like routine, and when Tummy Time is incorporated as a part of the baby’s routine, the baby is more likely to enjoy it and parents are less likely to forget about Tummy Time.
Suggestions for parents include:
- Place baby on his/her stomach for a few minutes after each diaper change
- Soothe a fussy baby by laying her across your lap rather than supporting her up on your shoulder
- Carry baby from room-to-room using a “tummy down” carry, making sure to snuggle baby close to your body for security. Kind of like carrying a football.
How Can I Make Tummy Time Fun for Both of Us?
Tummy time can be more enjoyable when parents do the following:
- Get down to your baby’s level, using a toy to engage him
- Place baby with her tummy against your tummy or chest, so that baby can make eye contact and facilitate bonding
- Use a mirror to keep baby involved and happy during tummy time—babies love mirrors because babies love faces!
All About Women’s highly experienced midwives and pregnancy physicians in Gainesville and Lake City are here to help you during the hectic, yet joyous time in your life. Feel free to contact us anytime you have a question or concern about your health.
