Mommy's Guide to Tummy Time

A common question on message boards from new moms is, "How do I make sure my baby gets enough tummy time?" The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants have supervised tummy time to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles and help them develop normally. Pediatricians advise new parents to give their children tummy time beginning in the early days and weeks of their newborn's life. Unfortunately, the advice is often unaccompanied by exactly how much time a baby should spend on her tummy and how to provide such time in a way that keeps babies engaged and happy.

Since babies are used to sleeping on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, they often fight tummy time. However, when babies spend too much time on their backs they are more likely to exhibit delays in motor development. They are also more likely to develop flat spots on their heads, a condition called positional plagiocephaly.

Get your baby used to tummy time at an early age, starting with even a few minutes each day. Gradually increase the amount of supervised time that your baby spends on her tummy. Dr. Alan Greene, a pediatric expert, recommends 30 minutes of tummy time each day.

Tummy Time: Snuggling

In their article, "Tummy Time Tools: Activities to Help You Position, Carry, Hold, and Play with Your Baby," Colleen Coulter O'Berry and Dulcey Lima suggest that one great way to give a newborn or any baby tummy time is to lie on your back and lay the baby facing you. Encourage the baby to lift his head by talking to her or singing her favorite song. In addition, you can help the baby be more stable by placing her arms under her chest for support.

Tummy Time: Lap Time

As your baby gets older, you can lay your baby face down over your lap, raising one leg slightly to prop your baby and make it easier for him to raise his head. Encourage your baby to lift his head by showing him an engaging, colorful stuffed animal or rattle.

Tummy Time: Floor Play

Lay your baby chest down on his favorite blanket and entice him to reach for objects by placing his favorite toys on the mat around him. Let an older brother or sister, grandparent, or friend help by talking and playing with the baby on the floor with him.

Tummy Time: Toys

A number of colorful, creative toys are on the market made specifically for tummy time. For example, the Lamaze Spin & Explore Garden Gym (about $45) allows a baby to lay on her tummy and spin around a mat filled with activities like squeaky toys and crinkle fabric. The Boppy Tummy Time Play Pad, sold at Target for $24.99, includes a colorful play mat, a mini Boppy prop pillow, a water-filled teether, a plush toy and a plastic ring rattle.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics, "Safe Sleep - Easy Steps for Caregivers."

Drgreene.com, "Flat Heads and Tummy Time," Dr. Alan Greene.

Journal of Pediatrics, 2006 Nov; 149:623-9, "Association between sleep position and early motor development," Majnemer A and Barr RG.

OrthoAmerica, "Tummy Time Tools: Activities to Help You Position, Carry, Hold, and Play with Your Baby," Colleen Coulter O'Berry and Dulcey Lima.