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About Providence

Kati Knudsen, PT, PCS
Physical Therapist, Pediatric Clinical Specialist

Until several years ago, most babies were placed to sleep on their tummies. This meant a baby was not only accustomed to this position, but also had ample opportunity to learn to lift her head and prop on her arms while on her tummy. The advent of putting babies to sleep on their backs has greatly reduced the incidence of SIDS. However, in many cases, it has also adversely affected infant motor development. This is not to suggest that babies should not be placed to sleep on their backs. Babies should always be placed on sleep on their backs (unless directed otherwise by your child's physician), but we must now make a concerted effort to provide infants with opportunity to play on their tummies.

Tummy time is so important to the motor development of an infant because it allows him to gain head and trunk control. Motor control develops in a cephalocaudal fashion. This means a baby first gains control of his head, then his shoulders, then his abdomen, and so on, all the way to his feet. Developing head control first allows a baby to visually explore his environment. From there, he can then learn to sit up and actually move through his environment. Babies can be placed on their tummies as newborns during supervised, wakeful time. If your child was born prematurely (before 37 weeks gestation,) you may need to wait until his due date to begin tummy time.

Tummy time allows a baby to push up onto her arms, and this helps with the development of stability in the shoulder girdle. This stability enables a baby to prop on one arm while reaching for a toy with the opposite arm, use her arms to crawl, pull to stand, and even helps with writing and cutting activities at a later time. From propping on her arms and lifting her head, a baby will learn to get into a quadruped, or "all four's" position. This allows a baby to learn to crawl, but also assists with the development of pelvic stability needed for standing up, walking, running, and climbing.

Some babies do not seem to tolerate tummy time well. Some suggestions to increase the pleasure of this experience for you and your baby include:

• Place a rolled towel or receiving blanket under her shoulders, this will make it easier for her to lift and turn her head.
• Place him on his tummy for only a few minutes, several times each day if he won't tolerate a longer session.
• Place a plastic mirror or interesting toy where your baby can look at it.
• Lie on your tummy beside your baby; she will love to see your face up close!
• Lie on your back and place your baby on his tummy on your chest. Once he likes this, try moving him to a blanket on the floor.

Most babies quickly learn to like tummy time once they realize what fun it can be. And you will enjoy watching your baby grow and develop day by day.