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Tummy Time


About this topic


It is important for your baby to sleep on the back to help lower the chance of dying from sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS. However, a baby must also spend time on the tummy to develop strong neck, arm, and shoulder muscles. The best way to help with this is to give some tummy time when your child is awake. ‚  

General


  • You can start doing tummy time when your baby is just a few days old.
  • There are a few ways you can do tummy time:
    • Lie on your back and lay your baby across your chest so you are face to face.
    • Sit in a chair and lay your baby across your lap.
    • Place your baby on a colorful mat or blanket on the floor.
    • As your baby gets stronger and a little older, you may want to add a small blanket or towel roll under your babys chest or shoulders. This may help your baby start to push up with the arms.
  • Start with 3 to 5 minutes each time. Do tummy time 3 or 4 times each day.
  • At first, your baby may only be able to lift the head for a few seconds at a time.
  • Watch your baby carefully when doing tummy time. Never leave your baby alone when on the tummy.

What will the results be?


  • Less chance for a flat spot on the back of your baby 's head
  • Stronger arm, shoulder, and neck muscles to help your baby with sitting up, rolling over, and crawling

Will there be any other care needed?


Always place your baby on the back to sleep. ‚  

Helpful tips


  • Try doing tummy time when your baby is not too tired or hungry. You also do not want to do it right after a feeding.
  • Make tummy time fun. Place toys around your baby just out of reach. Look at your baby and talk, smile, or make faces. Shake a small rattle or make noises to encourage your baby to look around.
  • Some parents like to do tummy time after each diaper change. This may help you remember to do it a few times each day.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Pediatrics ‚  
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/The-Importance-of-Tummy-Time.aspx ‚  
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚  
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx ‚  
March of Dimes ‚  
http://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/tummy-time.aspx ‚  
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development ‚  
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sts/about/pages/tummytime.aspx ‚  

Last Reviewed Date


2015-04-20 ‚  

List_set bdysylist


  • Pediatric
  • Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚  
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