- "Heads Up, Push Up, Call Up" article--NPN
- "Tummy Time Tips"--Babytalk Magazine Article
- A First Crucial Milestone--Parents Magazine Article
- American Baby Q&A
- Invaluable Resources for Medical Professionals
- Making Time for Tummy Time
- Grandparents: The New Gatekeepers for Early Motor Development
- Pathways Annual Dinner
- Prone Development--The Case for Tummy Time
Five Moves for Baby's First Workout
Five Moves for Baby’s First Workout
Did you know even newborns need to work out? Just a few minutes a day, a few times a day, can help your baby get used to "tummy time" and help prevent early motor delays. Babies often complain about being placed on the tummy, but if you begin early and maintain a consistent schedule, it will become part of their daily routine that can improve neck, trunk and shoulder strength.
Here are the top five moves for your baby which you can begin as soon as the baby is born:
1) Lap soothe. Lay your baby tummy-down across your lap to settle him down instead of holding him upright on your shoulder. Be sure to provide support over the baby’s bottom to provide a sense of security and a comforting touch.
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Keenan (2 months) enjoys some tummy time on mom’s lap. This position strengthens the neck and back muscles, which don’t get much action while your baby is on his back. Note how mom has one hand on her baby’s bottom – this is both to keep him from rolling off and to help him settle down. This position also can help calm fussy babies! |
2) Tummy-to-Tummy. Enjoy some together time with your newborn. Lie down and place your baby “tummy-to-tummy” or “tummy-to-chest.”
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While laying tummy-to-tummy, make sure to keep your hands on your baby at all times to keep her from rolling off. In the top photo, mom props up Keenan under his armpits for a minute to help him build neck strength. Even if your baby isn’t lifting his head, laying flat on your tummy or chest can help build and stretch your babies’ back and neck muscles; eventually he will try to lift and turn his head to look around. |
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3) Tummy-down carry. When carrying your baby around the house, carry her tummy-side down instead of upright.
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Again, this position helps build neck and back strength. Mom is supporting baby with one hand between the legs and under the tummy, and her other hand supporting Keenan’s head and shoulders. Baby should be nestled against mom or dad’s body. |
4) Eye-Level Smile. Babies love your face and voice. Change your position to encourage head movement.
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Keenan is trying so hard to lift his head and turn towards mom! Stay on the same level as your baby, even getting down on the floor. Voices are also great motivators. When your baby is on her tummy, talk or sing to her. Also, change your position to encourage head movement. Position yourself in front of your baby to encourage head lifting, and to the sides to encourage head turning. If you see your baby prefers to hold his head turned to one side, try to do more activities to encourage head turning to the opposite side. If this is not changing and becomes the position of preference, bring this up with your pediatrician or health professional. |
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5) Tummy Minute. Start to incorporate tummy time into your daily routine. For example, every time you change your baby, place your baby on her tummy time for a minute or two.
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Here, mom is using a toy and a rolled-up receiving blanket tucked under Keenan’s chest and armpits to prop him up. Once your baby starts to expect tummy time, she may not protest so much! As your baby grows, slowly increase the amount of tummy time per day, aiming to get an hour total of tummy time by the end of three months. This shouldn’t be all at once, but in spurts throughout the day. |
