Tummy time and safe sleep go together hand in hand. When we tell parents that their baby should not sleep on their stomachs, some parents fear that the stomach position may be dangerous even when the baby is awake. This is simply not true!
Tummy time is good for your baby for many reasons! Tummy time promotes the healthy development of your baby. Through exposing your baby to tummy time, you are ensuring the proper development of your baby’s fine and gross motor skills. It also helps prevent your baby from developing plagiocephaly or “flat head syndrome.”
It is always important to remember that tummy time is for when the baby is awake and supervised. If a baby falls asleep during tummy time, they should be relocated into their crib and placed flat on their back.
REMEMBER: TUMMY TO PLAY, BACK TO SLEEP!
Look at the graphic below from our friends at Baby Begin to learn about all of the benefits of tummy time!
FAQs
It also helps prevent your baby from developing plagiocephaly or “flat head syndrome.” It is always important to remember that tummy time is for when the baby is awake and supervised. If a baby falls asleep during tummy time, they should be relocated into their crib and placed flat on their back.
Is it okay if baby falls asleep during tummy time? ›
A: Tummy time is only safe to do when your baby is awake and must always be closely supervised. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, then she should be rolled onto her back. Babies should sleep on their backs due to the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.
Does tummy time count if asleep? ›
Your baby should always be awake for tummy time. Make sure you or another adult stays with them the whole time to make sure they're awake. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, put them on their back to sleep in a safe place.
Does tummy time reduce SIDS risk? ›
Babies need tummy time! Although it does not directly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), tummy time is an important way to help baby grow and develop.
Is it okay to let baby sleep on tummy supervised? ›
Up-to-Date
Place babies on their backs to sleep for at least the first year. Placing babies on their stomachs too soon increases risk of SIDS. Supervised tummy time during waking hours is essential for a baby's development and motor skills.
Does tummy time count if baby doesn't lift head? ›
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.
Does lying on my chest count as tummy time? ›
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.
Why shouldn't you do tummy time at night? ›
' But babies did die back then from SIDS and tummy sleeping. We know that now.” A large body of research shows that tummy sleeping is linked to SIDS. Once public health experts began promoting the Back to Sleep campaign in the 1990s, SIDS deaths plummeted by up to 83%.
What are the negatives of tummy time? ›
It could create a habit of 'parasitic' contraction in your child that could actually slow down their development. If your child dislikes this experience, they could in time develop an aversion to being on their tummy. Unless your child can get out of it freely, it could create a feeling of helplessness.
What happens if I never do tummy time? ›
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Infants who spend too much time on their backs have an increased risk of developing a misshapen head along with certain developmental delays, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) warns in a statement issued this month.
Ninety percent of SIDS deaths occur within the first 6 months of life, with the rate peaking between 1 to 4 months. Death comes suddenly and unpredictably, usually during sleep. In most cases, the baby seems healthy before death. Currently, the cause of SIDS is unknown.
What is the oldest a baby has died from SIDS? ›
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants between 1 month and 1 year of age. Even though SIDS can occur any time during a baby's first year, most SIDS deaths occur in babies between 1 and 4 months of age.
Why is SIDS higher at 2 months? ›
Why Does SIDS Peak at 2-4 Months? The widely accepted explanation for the SIDS peak has to do with the timeline of brain development. “Up to 4 months old, the part of the brain that controls breathing and wakefulness is under a lot of development,” Juliet explains.
What if baby rolls on stomach while sleeping but can't roll back? ›
Anytime a baby is stuck on their stomach, you should reposition them. Being stuck and unable to roll back to their backs is a safety hazard. Additionally, if it's your baby's first time rolling over and they are startled, wake up crying, or are swaddled, you will need to address the situation.
What if baby falls asleep during tummy time? ›
If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, be sure to put her on her back to sleep. Try tummy time again when the baby is well rested.
Can baby sleep on my chest if I'm awake? ›
While having a baby sleep on mother's (or father's) chest whilst parents are awake has not been shown to be a risk, and such close contact is in fact beneficial, sleeping a baby on their front when unsupervised gives rise to a greatly increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) also known as cot death.
Is it bad for babies to fall asleep on their stomach? ›
Until the age of 12 months, you should always put your baby to sleep on their back. It is considered unsafe for babies (especially newborn – 5 months) to sleep on their stomach, because it considerably increases the risk of SIDS.
Is it okay to let baby cry during tummy time? ›
😊 Making sure that your baby is comfortable and happy on their belly is one of the goals of tummy time, says pediatric occupational therapist Rachel Coley. So, if they fuss or cry, roll them over, hold them, and soothe them. To make the tummy-down position easier for them, try placing them on an incline.
How do I keep my baby awake during tummy time? ›
Sing songs, keep colorful toys nearby, get down on the floor and eye-to-eye with your baby, and have others join you. Don't give up! Tummy time is important, and some babies just need a little extra time to get used to it.
Does tummy time count if they just lay there? ›
Did you know that tummy time doesn't always have to be done on the floor? Laying your baby on his or her stomach on your lap can also count as tummy time! Watch the video below from Baby Begin to learn some things you can do with your baby during tummy time!