Let’s Talk about Tummy Time
New Parents are told that Tummy Time is important but not always why it’s important.
Tummy Time is essential for healthy brain and spinal development. It helps to strengthen the neck and the spine. Tummy Time also engages postural reflexes - which form part of the foundation for balance and coordination. Tummy Time is also an opportunity to facilitate connection with caregivers as well as play by using novel environments like the park or the backyard as well as toys.
Not all babies like Tummy Time, this isn’t a personality thing, babies are designed to love Tummy Time. If they don’t love it, something is uncomfortable and this is usually their neck, shoulders, tummy or a flat spot on their head making use of their neck muscles difficult.
To achieve Tummy Time your baby needs these 5 things:
Enough muscle tone to be able to lift against gravity. This is expected from birth.
Good range of movement of the occiput (base of the skull), neck and mid back.
Both shoulders, elbows and wrists to be functional and pain free.
A tummy that is not painful.
Opportunity to be on the ground or in modified Tummy Time positions.
How much Tummy Time does your baby need? The amount of Tummy Time a baby needs depends on their stage of development.
Between 0 - 2 months: a minimum of 30 mins per day, you can split this up into 6-10 smaller chunks of time lasting 5-8 mins.
Between 2 - 4 months: a minimum of 60 mins per day, you can split this up into 6 smaller chunks of time lasting 10 mins.
Between 4 - 6 months: a minimum of 100 mins per day, you can split this up into 10 smaller chunks of time last 10 mins. Try including Tummy Time during every awake period.
Any time over the minimum amount is a bonus.
The end goal of Tummy Time is that somewhere with the 4 - 6 month age bracket, your baby will come to spend nearly all of their awake time on their tummy and love every minute of it.
If your baby struggles with Tummy Time they may need support. At Breathe Chiropractic we support the growth and development of babies through gentle chiropractic adjustments.
Dr Kate