Author: Sonia Yu
Registered Occupational Therapist
In recent years, many parents have heard of the term “tummy time” or have a basic understanding of it. So, what exactly is the importance of tummy time for the growth and development of young children?
Tummy time refers to the practice of placing infants and young children on their stomachs on a bed or mat while they are awake and under adult supervision. It involves lying face down with the belly against the floor and attempting to lift the head, neck, and upper back while supporting the body with the hands.
This posture helps exercise the muscles in the head, neck, back, and shoulders of infants, enhancing their ability to control the movement of the head and upper body. It significantly aids in the development of core muscle strength as well as learning skills such as rolling over, crawling, sitting, standing, and walking, which involve large muscle development. Additionally, during tummy time, infants use their hands to support their bodies, which strengthens their upper limbs and stability, laying a foundation for future fine motor development and promoting visual and sensory integration. Tummy time also contributes to the development of a well-shaped head and reduces the chance of flat spots caused by prolonged periods of lying down. A lack of tummy time practice may slow down various aspects of an infant’s development.
According to recommendations from American doctors, tummy time can be started at home when newborns return from the hospital. Initially, it can be done for one to two minutes, gradually increasing the duration based on the infant’s ability. Generally, it is recommended for infants to have 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time practice per day, starting at around two months of age. This can be divided into multiple sessions throughout the day and gradually extended as the child’s abilities strengthen.
During tummy time practice with infants, parents must constantly supervise their safety and ensure that they are awake. It is also advisable to avoid immediate tummy time after feeding and pay attention to the surrounding environment to prevent the placement of sharp, hard, or small objects that may pose a choking hazard. If an infant shows discomfort during tummy time, parents should try different approaches, such as placing toys, interacting with them, or holding them, gradually encouraging the infant to participate in tummy time and reducing their anxiety. It is important not to force them to practice, as it may further enhance their discomfort and have counterproductive effects.
Here are some tips for tummy time practice with infants:
- Try to engage in tummy time when the infant is just waking up and in a pleasant mood.
- Place toys, stuffed animals, mirrors, or books around the infant to encourage them to lift their head, turn their head, or use their hands to support their body.
- Interact, play, or sing with the infant in front of them during tummy time to encourage them to lift their head and prolong their time in this position.
- If the infant doesn’t have enough strength to lift their head, neck, or support their body with their hands, try placing a rolled-up towel across their chest, spanning under their armpits, to assist them in raising their upper body.
- If the infant initially shows discomfort during tummy time practice, try introducing the position after each diaper change, bath, or nap to help them become accustomed to it, gradually increasing the duration of tummy time.
- Parents can also sit on a mat or bed with the infant in their arms and slowly lean backward, allowing the infant to lie on the parent’s chest or stomach and encouraging them to lift their head, neck, or upper back.
- Parents can also let the infant lie on their own thighs to reduce their discomfort when attempting to lie on their own.
