Why Doesn’t My Baby Like Tummy Time and Why is it so Important?
Parents were particularly encouraged to give babies tummy time after the success of the Back To Sleep campaign - the drive dramatically reduced the incidences of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. But following the campaign, the medical profession noted a rise in torticollis (when tight neck muscles prevent them from turning their head in both directions), flat head syndrome and developmental delays. Parents are now encouraged to engage with their baby in protected tummy time every day.
When a baby is placed on their stomach they build muscles in their neck, shoulder and arms, in addition to strengthening their core. This helps little ones develop the muscles they need to lift their heads, roll, sit, crawl and walk. It also prevents them from developing flat head syndrome, a position which is caused when they spend too much time on their back.
The irony is that babies often dislike being placed on their tummy because they don’t yet have the strength to push themselves up and look around. So, is there another way?
Parents who use slings often worry that carrying their baby will hamper their development.
Maybe someone has muttered the common misconception, “they’ll never learn to walk if you carry them”. But the reality is quite the opposite and using a sling actually aids development.
The movement your baby experiences in a carrier can help them to build their core muscles; carrying in an upright position in a sling, and even more so in arms, helps babies engage their stomach and back muscles in response to your movement. Even though they are well supported, a sling encourages a more active role than the passive position they are in when in a cot, pram or car seat.
Being in a sling also gives your baby the chance to hold their head up and strengthen their neck muscles; they can then lean back on you when they’re tired.
The wonderful thing about babywearing is that most babies and parents enjoy the activity and find it a comfort. It brings a range of other benefits and developmental advantages. So you can help your baby strengthen their muscles and core in a way that feels less stressful than tummy time. It’s also easy to fit into your day as you can pop your baby in a sling while you go about doing other things.
Do I Ever Need to Do Tummy Time Again?
Clan Oscha member, Rian's, little one enjoying tummy time
Well, yes. Carrying your baby can complement and enhance tummy time but it should not replace the need for tummy time altogether. When lying on their front babies are encouraged to push against gravity horizontally, which is important for development and something that can’t be completely recreated by babywearing. However, if you carry your baby often this will help build their neck muscles which may make tummy time more enjoyable for them.
How Can I Help my Baby to Enjoy Tummy Time?
You don’t need to just pop them on the floor, you can lie on the floor too and play or sing to them. Placing them on your tummy while you lie back is another great alternative and usually more comforting for your baby - it also allows you to have a wee lie down.
Keziah, from Clan Oscha, using her chest for a bit of tummy time
Like most things it’s all about moderation. Using a sling is fantastic for supporting babies' healthy physical development. It has been proven to help strengthen many of the muscle groups that that tummy time focuses on and, as a result, can help make tummy time more enjoyable. There’s no limit on how much time your baby spends in the sling. There are so many practical advantages and the closeness will benefit both of you. Be led by your little one and enjoy some floor and tummy time too, it all helps with development.
Tummy Time: When your little one is upright in a sling it has many of the same benefits on a baby's muscles as 'tummy time', helping them to develop their core strength. This is essential for their physical development, from holding their heads up to crawling and walking.
While carrying baby up on your shoulder does not fit the definition of tummy time (and should not be considered a replacement for tummy time), it's a great first step in helping baby ease into working on head control, in the context of the bigger picture.
Remember, tummy time does not mean your baby has to be lying still on his tummy. It includes any activity that keeps him from lying flat in one position against a hard surface. Any time you carry or play with your baby while he is on his belly counts as tummy time.
Your baby doesn't have to lift their head to make tummy time worthwhile. Lying on their belly with their cheek resting on your chest or the floor still counts. Put your baby (belly down) across your lap and gently rub their back.
Carrying your baby can complement and enhance tummy time but it should not replace the need for tummy time altogether. When lying on their front babies are encouraged to push against gravity horizontally, which is important for development and something that can't be completely recreated by babywearing.
Tummy-time is important for your baby's physical as well as emotional and intellectual development. It helps them learn to hold their head up, grasp at items to help develop motor skills, and observe the world around them (9).
Newborns. Start newborns on tummy time by placing them belly-down on your chest or across your lap for a few minutes at a time, two or three times a day. While lying on their belly, they can practice lifting their head and strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles.
The dangers of not doing tummy time regularly, is your baby may not develop their upper body strength and their neck muscles the way that they should. They may not hold their head up as well as others babies at their age. They can also get something called torticollis or a tightening of their neck muscles on one side.
The younger you start your baby, the easier they'll adjust to being on their stomach. But it's never too late to start. So even if your baby is already several months old, it's better to start tummy time now.
Does Tummy Time on the Chest Count? Yes! In the early days, lying your baby on your chest does count towards tummy time. To do this, rest yourself against some pillows and place your baby in a position so they can look at you whilst on your chest.
The best place for tummy time at this age is the floor, though you may continue some sessions on your chest or stomach. To position your baby, place her on a blanket or play mat on the floor and encourage her to bring her elbows just below or slightly beyond the shoulders. A tummy time pillow works well at this age.
And remember, these are just guidelines: There is no such thing as too much tummy time, says Halfin. Here are some simple ways to prevent boredom and make tummy time downright fun.
The review concluded that healthy infants, born at term, who spent time on their tummy when awake, achieved developmental milestones significantly earlier than those who did not or who spent limited time in prone when awake in the first 6 months of life.
How long should you carry your baby for each day? Good news: there's no upper limit! While there are upper limits for car seat use, the same rules don't apply to babywearing. That's because, in a car seat, your baby's airways are at risk of compromise after extended periods because they're in a slumped position.
Pediatricians recommend that by about 2 months of age, babies be getting 15 to 30 minutes of total tummy time daily. The following ideas can help you and your baby enjoy tummy time: Spread out a blanket on a clear area of the floor. Place a rolled-up towel under baby's arms to help prop them up slightly.
Side lying is a great alternative to tummy time if your baby doesn't tolerate being on their stomach. Place your baby on a blanket on their side; if needed, prop their back against a rolled-up towel for support. If their head needs support, place a small, folded washcloth under their head.
“You can roll up a small towel to prop up their chest.” You can even lie on your back and put your newborn on your own stomach, tummy to tummy. “It's a chance for physical bonding, and it still counts as tummy time,” Dr. Badgett says.
To hold your baby in an upright position, support her head and neck with one hand while resting her on your chest and shoulder. Support your baby's bottom with your other hand. Whether your pick up, carry, or hold your baby, the most important thing is to support his head and neck.
Aim for around 20 to 30 minutes a day of baby tummy time by the time they're 3 or 4 months old. Remember, it doesn't have to happen in one long session. Keep the practice up until baby can roll over on their own, a feat many babies accomplish around 4 to 6 months of age.
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Clan Oscha member, Rian's, little one enjoying tummy time
Keziah, from Clan Oscha, using her chest for a bit of tummy time