It is important for infants and babies to spend time on their stomachs during SUPERVISED wakeful moments. Tummy Time allows infants to develop and strengthen their head, neck, arms, and back muscles—by pushing up on arms, seeing and reaching for toys, and rolling from back to stomach.
Our own Early Intervention Services Child Development Pediatric Physical Therapist, Jamie Thompson, MSPT, shares – “As part of our Early Intervention Services, we offer strategies and support for caregivers to develop valuable Tummy Time practices. The endurance and strength gained will be used as a foundation to build other skills their baby will do in the future.”
Tips for Tummy Time
- Short sessions – 2 to 5 minutes, 3 times each day. As the baby gets older increase the time.
- Engage with baby as they hold their head up – with toys or with your voice and face.
- Keep on the floor to stay safe. Not on bed, table or couch (baby may roll).
Please note that The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs. This practice has greatly increased sleep safety.
