Many parents and caregivers hear that tummy time is important but may not know the reasons why?

Motor Strength:

• Tummy time helps to build your babies muscles specifically in their neck, back, core etc. These muscles help to build your babies foundation required for milestones such as crawling, rolling over, sitting, holding up their head and walking

Vision:

• Helps to develop hand-eye coordination

Motor Strength:

• Tummy time helps to build your babies muscles specifically in their neck, back, core etc. These muscles help to build your babies foundation required for milestones such as crawling, rolling over, sitting, holding up their head and walking

Sensory:

• Helps with sense of touch as they touch different surfaces (carpet, blankets)
• In shifting their body weight they gain more awareness of their body and which it is capable of
• Different positions for baby helps with their balance

Tummy Time Tips:

• Make it a routine! Do it at the same time everyday (example: after bath time)
• Avoid directly after feeding
• Do it when baby is the happiest!
• Get down on the floor with baby

What if my baby doesn`t like tummy time?

Most babies love tummy time and the time spent in tummy time becomes longer as the baby gets older until they start to roll over and sit up on their own. If they do not like tummy time it could be because something is out of alignment in the lower back or pelvis making this tummy position uncomfortable for them. When the head becomes flat it becomes hard for the child to change positions.

If you notice that your baby is uncomfortable during tummy time, favors one side, or has a flatter head on one side, it is important to have them check by a chiropractor to make sure their little spines are moving properly and freely.

Ideally we want to work up to at least 15 minutes 2x a day.