Making sure that your infant gets enough tummy time is important for the achievement of milestone markers and the integration of primitive reflexes. Infants spend much of their time in carseats and strollers and are also placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. While these precautions keep our children safe, they limit the amount of time babies spend on their tummies. Children that spend too much time on their back, achieve developmental milestones later, can develop a flat spot on the back of their head, and have a higher risk of developing torticollis.
Tummy time should start as soon as your baby comes home. The sooner tummy time starts, the more likely your child will be okay with tummy time. If your child becomes upset or cries when placed on their tummy, try starting with 5 minute sessions every hour throughout the day. Increase the amount of time as your child gets used to being on their tummy. Get down on the floor at eye level with your child and play peek-a-boo, make funny faces, or anything to make the experience interesting and pleasurable for your infant. Don't forget that learning is a social experience and tummy time and play should be a shared time with your infant.
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