Tummy Time - Why is it such a big deal?
As both an occupational therapist and craniosacral therapist, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that tummy time can have on a baby’s early development. This simple but powerful practice not only helps to build essential motor skills but also plays a crucial role in emotional and physical well-being. I want to share why tummy time is so important from both a developmental and holistic perspective and offer tips for making it an enjoyable experience for both baby and parent.
What is Tummy Time and Why is It Important?
Tummy time is the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake. While this may seem like a basic activity, it’s one of the most critical ways to help your baby develop the muscles and coordination needed for other milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.
From the perspective of an occupational therapist, tummy time is essential for building the core strength and postural control that babies need to eventually support themselves in more upright positions. It also helps with fine motor skills by encouraging reaching and grasping.
As a craniosacral therapist, I’ve seen how tummy time also aids in relieving tension and facilitating a more balanced, relaxed nervous system. Babies often experience subtle or overt tension from time in utero, the birth process or other early-life stressors, and tummy time can provide a therapeutic release of this tension, promoting overall body alignment and helping to integrate their sensory systems.
The Dual Benefits: Physical & Emotional Development
Strengthening Core Muscles
When a baby spends time on their tummy, they’re engaging muscles that are crucial for their physical development. The muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, and back work together to support head lifting and chest propping. Developing this strength is a precursor to later motor skills, such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and standing.
The core stability babies develop through tummy time also impacts their ability to interact with the world around them. A strong core enhances coordination and balance, making everyday movements easier and more efficient as they grow. Tummy time can even have an effect later on in life with fine motor skills, visual development, and visual motor processing.
Preventing Flattening on the Head (Plagiocephaly)
Extended periods spent lying on the back can have a significant impact on a baby’s skull. Positional flattening of the head, or plagiocephaly, is a common condition where the back of the baby’s head flattens due to prolonged pressure. If a baby has a head turn preference (always with head turned to left or right), a flat spot can also develop in other areas of the head. Tummy time is a simple and effective way to prevent this issue.
By regularly practicing tummy time, babies can relieve pressure on the back of their skull and encourage the natural roundness of their head. This isn’t just a cosmetic benefit—it also helps with cranial alignment and the proper functioning of the craniosacral system, which is responsible for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
Supporting Sensory Development
Tummy time doesn’t just build muscles; it also provides essential sensory input. Babies learn a lot from the sensory experiences they have while lying on their tummy. The pressure against their stomach helps them process tactile information, while the need to lift and turn their head encourages visual tracking and sensory exploration.
From a craniosacral therapy perspective, this sensory engagement also supports emotional regulation. When a baby’s sensory system is developing properly, they’re better able to cope with new experiences, reducing stress and improving their overall sense of calm.
Emotional and Neurological Regulation
Babies often experience mild stress or tension during and after birth—especially if they’ve had a difficult or traumatic delivery. This can lead to tightness in the neck, jaw, and upper back, affecting their ability to engage in motor development. Craniosacral therapy helps release these patterns of tension, and tummy time is an important extension of this process.
As babies learn to control their heads and bodies during tummy time, they develop a greater sense of self-regulation. This supports the nervous system, helping babies become more aware of their bodies, calm themselves, and build resilience to stress.
How to Make Tummy Time Effective and Enjoyable
From my combined experience as an occupational therapist and craniosacral therapist, here are some key tips to make tummy time a positive experience for both you and your baby:
1. Start Early and Gradually Increase Time
It’s essential to start tummy time as early as possible—ideally in the first few days or weeks after birth. Begin with small sessions, just a few minutes a few times a day, and gradually increase the time as your baby becomes more comfortable. Remember, at the beginning, having your baby laying on your chest is considered tummy time. Aim for about 15-20 minutes of tummy time per day by the time your baby is around 3 months old.
2. Use a Tummy Time Mat or Blanket
For maximum comfort, use a soft mat or blanket to cushion your baby’s belly. Look for mats that have bright colors and textures to engage their senses. I encourage parents to avoid overly soft or plush surfaces, as these can hinder proper body alignment during tummy time.
3. Make It Fun
Use toys, mirrors, or soft objects to make tummy time interactive and enjoyable. A mirror can encourage your baby to lift their head and engage with their reflectio. Stimulation of visual tracking can be accomplished using black and white objects/toys early on and then switching to brightly colored toys as the baby grows. When babies are engaged, they’re more likely to enjoy the experience and stay in tummy time longer.
4. Get Down on Their Level
Join your baby on the floor during tummy time! Your presence will provide emotional reassurance and encourage them to lift their head to look at you. This can make tummy time a bonding experience that’s both fun and soothing.
5. Use Positional Support if Needed
If your baby struggles with tummy time or seems to get frustrated easily, try rolling a towel and placing it under their chest to provide a little extra lift. This can help them feel more comfortable and supported while still working on strengthening the necessary muscles.
What to Expect: Common Challenges
It’s common for babies to resist tummy time at first, especially when they’re learning to lift their head. They may initially get frustrated or cry during tummy time. As a parent, it’s important to remain patient and keep sessions short, positive, and consistent. Over time, your baby will begin to build strength and enjoy tummy time more.
If your baby seems particularly uncomfortable or struggles to lift their head, consider consulting a healthcare provider who specializes in infant development. An occupational therapist or craniosacral therapist can help assess any tension or imbalances and suggest ways to make tummy time more effective.
Final Thoughts
Tummy time is more than just a developmental milestone—it’s an essential part of building a healthy, strong foundation for your baby’s physical, sensory, and emotional growth. As both an occupational therapist and craniosacral therapist, I can confidently say that tummy time, when done regularly and correctly, can make a world of difference in your baby’s development. By incorporating tummy time into your daily routine, you’re helping your baby strengthen their body, develop their coordination, and lay the groundwork for future milestones.
So, embrace the tummy time journey, and watch as your baby becomes more confident, strong, and balanced with every passing day.
Have any tummy time tips or questions? Feel free to contact Rosemarie Holliday, MS, OTR/L, ICST at Kern Infant Craniosacral Therapy.
