The first few years of life are filled with lots of learning and growth. Thus, smart parents utilize this period to lay the foundation for a stronger being. Tummy time is an ideal way of achieving this.” Tummy time” merely refers to short periods during which a child (baby/infant) is placed on its tummy. While little ones spend most of their time lying on their backs, flipping them over can have benefits beyond your expectations. So, this piece of writing discusses how a simple activity can benefit your infant!
Benefits Of Tummy Time
Strong Muscles
Many regard tummy time as the baby’s first exercise. You have seen adults striving to strengthen their core muscles. Well, tummy time is a child’s way of strengthening the muscles of the neck, back, and limbs (arms and legs). Modern studies have found that prone positioning (during tummy time) can strengthen the neck muscles, leading to stronger posture muscles. Such infants are also quick to gain head control due to robust muscles. This activity also prevents a forward neck posture in infants.
Lesser Chances of Head/Neck Problems
Prolonged supine positioning in infancy is linked to delayed motor development and an increased rate of spinal disorders like idiopathic infantile scoliosis. On the other hand, some time spent in a prone position strengthens the spine and leads to optimal muscle development. Tummy time also reduces the propensity of infants getting positional brachycephaly/plagiocephaly, i.e., flat head syndrome. Moreover, it can relieve childhood torticollis. Clinical research shows that with proper child positioning and passive range of motion (PROM), professionals can improve outcomes in congenital muscular torticollis patients.
Quicker And Better Psychomotor Development
Another commendable health advantage of tummy time is the development of psychomotor skills. When little ones become accustomed to prone positioning, they are highly likely to have better fine motor skills. A study published in 2023 revealed that the simple act of tummy time in infants (aged 6-9 months) showed increased psychomotor development. These kids are generally early to lift their heads, roll, crawl, and control their bodies. This effect can be attributed to the fact that tummy time also boosts neurodevelopment in infants.
Instructions Regarding Tummy Time
The prone positioning of an infant is surely linked to health benefits; however, there are certain points that you must remember.
Don’t overdo it
Tummy time should be done for short intervals and not long durations, as prolonged prone positioning is linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Do it on a firm surface
Experts advise parents to promote tummy time and ensure that their child does it on a firm surface like a floor mat. Moreover, the prone-positioned infant must be under continuous attention from an adult.
Final Word
Placing your child on his tummy for some time strengthens his muscles and prevents head/neck spinal pathologies. Kids who have parent-supervised tummy time have better psychomotor skills and neurological development. Thus, these children are early to hold their heads, roll, and crawl.
References
- Santos Sampaio, S. S., de Amorim Rodrigues, N. A., Moura, J. R., de Lima-Alvarez, C. D., & Pereira, S. A. (2023). Effects of prone positioning on head control in preterm infants: randomized and controlled clinical trial protocol. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2375.
- Siddicky, S. F., Bumpass, D. B., Krishnan, A., Tackett, S. A., McCarthy, R. E., & Mannen, E. M. (2020). Positioning and baby devices impact infant spinal muscle activity. Journal of Biomechanics, 104, 109741.
- Wiederoder, T. (2007). The Importance of Range of Motion, Strengthening, and Positioning Interventions in Infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis.
- Sabang, R., & Yuliati, L. (2023). Tummy time to improve psychomotor development Babies 6-9 months. Science Midwifery, 11(2), 315-321.
- Martin Rosen, D. C., & CSCP, C. (2021). Tummy Time–A Crucial Neurodevelopment Process. Journal, 4(1), 46.