Exploring the importance of 'tummy time'

  • Published
  • By Nikkiann Economos, MS, PT
  • EDIS Pediatric Physical Therapist
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics implemented a campaign called "Back to Sleep." This campaign was established in an effort to reduce the cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome with pediatricians recommending placing babies on their backs at bedtime and at naptime. 

In a news release from the AAP dated Jan. 29, 2003, the rate of SIDS has decreased by more than 50 percent. This reduction is significant and continues to be an important message. Parents and caregivers should continue to place babies on their backs to sleep.

One result of the Back to Sleep campaign that affects a baby's overall development is the parents' hesitation to provide their baby with supervised opportunities to play on the floor and to experience play while being on their tummy. This lack of opportunity has a definite impact on a baby's development. 

With the onset of the Back to Sleep program, manufacturers of baby toys and equipment responded by producing many forms of baby carriers. These carriers position the baby in one position, typically on his or her back and strapped in for safety. When a baby is fully supported and is not able to move, they miss out on critical opportunities to explore how their body moves, how their environment looks, and what it feels like to be held or positioned in other ways. Reaching important developmental milestones is often delayed although most children will eventually gain these skills. 

Tummy time is especially important for the development of head control, trunk control, hip strength, and shoulder and hand strength. These skills build the foundation for the next important steps: coordinating looking at a toy and reaching for it, rolling, sitting, crawling and walking. When a baby has not had the chance to practice moving his or her body, Exploring the importance of 'tummy time'playtime on the floor is difficult and could cause them to be fussy and uncomfortable. The key is to provide short periods of about 15 minutes of tummy time three-to-five times per day. EDIS recommends using positioning equipment such as bouncer seats and swings for short periods only as needed. 

Use of "exersaucers," jumpers, and walkers is strongly discouraged both for safety concerns and developmental concerns. These positioning devices place a baby in the upright position before they are ready and overemphasize the use of their back muscles and muscles that straighten their body. This muscle imbalance will also make playtime on the floor more difficult and less enjoyable. Playing on the floor promotes use of the muscles that flex and extend the body. This muscle balance is a key to development. 

Front carriers, slings, and backpacks are good alternatives to more rigid positioning options. Floor gyms with hanging toys offer babies the chance to play on their back, side, and or tummy with plenty of eye-catching, interesting toys to look at, reach for and kick. 

Parents should often take their baby out of the stroller, car seat or carrier at their destination. Holding the baby will promote head and trunk control and will allow the baby to experience motion and practice reaching skills. The key to skill development is practice. Practice is only available to a baby if parents and caregivers provide it. 

The Educational Developmental Intervention Services clinic provides a wide range of services regarding the development of children. One of the main programs is the Early Intervention program, which serves babies and children from birth to three years of age. The clinic offers developmental screenings to help educate parents about their baby's strengths and provide training so parents can guide their baby to overcome any challenges he or she may have. 

Call EDIS for a developmental screening at Ext. 5459. Parents can self-refer so a referral from a doctor is not necessary.