Tummy time is time that your baby spends on their stomach. Babies spend most of their time asleep on their backs and are spending more time in car seats and restrictive positions in this modern world. Having time dedicated to time on their fronts is a crucial part of development.

Practicing tummy time allows a baby to develop the neck muscles that lift their head and encourages the development of healthy spinal curves. The activation and strengthening of these neck muscles will later help babies develop the motor skills needed for sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Tummy time can begin slowly after your baby is born.

Here are some tips and tools to help you and your baby have an enjoyable tummy time experience

Your baby should always be awake when practicing tummy time and under careful supervision. It is best to begin when your baby wakes up or after a nappy change. Avoid practicing tummy time straight after a feed to avoid any spills. 

If your baby is under 2 months of age have him/her work their way up to 15 minutes of tummy time per day with this total time broken up into 2-3 sessions at 3-5 minutes each. 

This time may be shortened to 30 seconds to minute sessions if your baby is having a difficult time adapting to this new position. As your baby progresses this time can be extended gradually to improve strength. 

From 3-4 months of age time spent on the floor for play can be increased to 30-60 minutes broken up throughout the day.

4 months and above we encourage as much time playing and moving on the floor together as possible.

Tummy time can be achieved in many different positions throughout the day

Tummy time for babies under 2 months of age is the special time you speed with your little one on your own chest while lying on your back.

The classic way is a baby on their tummy on a playmat or a clean blanket/towel with a few toys or other activities in their proximity. This could be an unbreakable mirror, for example, babies love interacting with ‘the other baby’ and it can entice them to look around gaining even more head and neck control. You may also get on the floor yourself either face to face or side by side to achieve the same goal. 

As some babies aren’t fond of this position, a firm cushion may be used to prop them up to help them engage with their surroundings more comfortably. This should only be used temporarily to ensure they are still developing other muscles associated with tummy time. This way of practicing tummy time may not be favored by your baby even with the adaptations and distractions, but there are alternatives. 

Tummy time can also be achieved by placing your baby face down cradled in your forearm and is great if you are out and about and unable to place your baby down for free play and floor-based tummy time.

There are many benefits to tummy time, including developing the upper back, shoulder, and arm muscles.

Development of motor skills such as reaching, rolling, crawling, and sitting. This precious time spent on the tummy also decreases flattening on the back of a baby's skull.

If you and your baby are struggling with tummy time please reach out

Some babies have cranial and spinal imbalances caused by constraints in the uterus and the birth process that can make tummy time uncomfortable and interfere with the flow of communication between the brain and body affecting muscle coordination. 

Post-birth gentle, specific, Chiropractic adjustments help unwind tension and stress placed on the spine and nerve system and allow your baby to flourish.