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Tummy Time

A Physical Therapist Explains the Importance of Tummy Time Play

By Donna Smith

"I've asked my child's doctor and searched the Web about how much tummy time my baby needs and when she should start, but I've heard a lot of different answers. Are there any specific standards for tummy time?"

Gay Girolami, a physical therapist and member of the Pathways Medical Round Table, a group of leading pediatric professionals that include pediatricians, surgeons, physical therapists, nurses and researchers, is all too familiar with questions like this one. Recently, members of the Pathways Medical Round Table spoke with parents and found there is some confusion about tummy time. Many know tummy time is an important part of infant development, but are confused by how much, when to start and how to make it a positive event for them and their babies.

To clear up any confusion, Girolami has answered questions from parents like you so you can confidently incorporate tummy time into your baby's life.

Tummy time helps babies strengthen their back muscles, which is one of the very first steps for optimal motor development. Although the back-to-sleep initiative has effectively reduced cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 40 percent, babies now miss out on approximately 12 to 15 hours of tummy time, which they used to get during sleep. As a result, many babies don't get the strengthening of the back and neck muscles they need, which can lead to or exacerbate an early motor delay.

More babies than ever are being diagnosed with early motor delays – about one in 40 babies is diagnosed and 400,000 babies a year are at risk. The term "early motor delay" describes a wide variety of conditions, ranging from low muscle tone to cerebral palsy. Some early motor delays are present at birth, and others develop or worsen because the baby doesn't get enough tummy time. The good news is that most cases are not serious, and with physical therapy and a strategy of tummy time while awake, most children can catch up quickly.

Want to see more?

• Tummy Time: On the Back to Sleep, on the Stomach for Play
• Infant Aerobics: Can Exercise Make Your
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• Balancing Acts: Helping Baby Become Confident and Mobile
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