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Tummy Time
A Physical Therapist Explains the Importance of Tummy Time Play
By Donna Smith
A recent survey showed that 95 percent of parents tend to "wait and see" if they suspect their baby isn't developing on schedule. However, parents should trust their instincts and bring up any concerns to their medical professional as soon as possible – numerous studies show that parents are excellent at identifying early motor delays when they know what to look for.
At the end of 3 months (adjusted for preterm birth), parents should look for the following:
While lying on tummy, Baby...
- Pushes up on forearms.
- Lifts and holds head up.
Signs of concern:
- Difficulty lifting head.
- Stiff legs with little or no movement.
- Pushes back with head.
- Head turning to only one side.
Visuals, including a growth and development chart and more information about developmental warning signs, are available on the Pathways Awareness Foundation Web site, and by calling Pathways' "parent answered" help line, 1-800-955-CHILD (2445).
Tummy time is most important for the first six months of life. This will provide strenth and help babies learn motor skills so they can lift up their heads and push up on their arms, and eventually "commando" crawl and creep. Many parents find that as their babies learn to roll onto their tummies from their backs, they no longer have to "schedule" tummy time – babies like to roll over and stay on their tummy to play.
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