What is Tummy Time?

What is Tummy Time?

Tummy time is the amount of time a baby spends lying on their stomach in a prone position holding up their own head. Tummy time is vitally important for neurological development as well as structural development of your baby. When babies lie on their tummies for short periods of time they work on building muscles and developing the natural curve of their neck.

Why is tummy time important?

1. Neurological development: Tummy time stimulates neurological pathways that are critical for brain development. If your child is struggling and irritated while lying on their stomach this could be an indicator of nervous system interference. It is recommended that your baby be assessed by a pediatric chiropractor to check for nerve irritation.

2. Structural development: Your spine is made up of primary and secondary curves that work as shock absorbers much like the shocks on your car. Your baby is born with their primary curves in their mid-back (thoracic) and pelvis (sacrum) but secondary curves have to be developed. Your baby’s neck (cervical) curve is developed when they learn to lift their head up. This is one reason why tummy time is so important. As your baby strains and works to hold their head up they strengthen the muscles of their neck and develop this curve. The curve in the low back (lumbar) is developed when your baby learns to walk.

Strategies to make tummy time more engaging and enjoyable:

1. Start with lying Baby on you or your partners’ chest while you are in a reclined position. This is a good technique to ease Baby into tummy time. Talk to your baby and allow Baby to look at your face and eyes while laying on your chest. It allows Baby to lie on their tummy to work on lifting their head all while engaging and feeling comforted by you.

2. Give Baby objects to look at. They love visual stimulation! Start out with black and white toys or shapes placed at varying distances. Newborns do not see color until closer to five months. Then move to bright exciting colored toys, blocks or a mirror to entertain and engage Baby. Giving Baby a textured blanket to lay on and grab will add another sensory element to your baby’s tummy time experience.

3. Make it a family event/bonding time. This is a great time to get siblings involved and interacting with Baby. Have them lay on the floor with Baby and make faces/ talk to Baby. Remember to never leave your baby unattended when they are doing tummy time.