Baby Play Activities: Tummy Time

Most definitely! You are probably aware of the recommendation that all infants sleep on their backs. The research that initiated the "Back to Sleep Campaign" was one of the most significant changes in infant care practices during the 20th century. Thanks to sleeping on their backs, thousands of newborns have been saved from the tragedy of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

However, we have seen two major drawbacks to this important campaign. Because they spend less time on their stomachs, infants now tend to have a flattened area (not to mention a bald spot!) on the back of their heads and weaker trunk muscles (i.e. stomach and back). But these two problems are easily avoided by giving your baby plenty of "tummy time" starting at around 2 months of age.

Be sure to give her time to play on her tummy a short time during each of her awake periods is a good rule of thumb. At first, she may not like it because she is so used to her back. Lie down facing her and entertain her with your face and toys as she is getting used to it. Slowly increase the amount of time she spends in this position start with a few minutes and work up to a 10- to 15-minute stretch as she gets older. Infants who get plenty of "tummy time" avoid significant head flattening and often learn to roll, sit up and crawl sooner because of these trunk work-outs.