The Importance of Tummy Time

Tummy Time has always been an important sequence in baby development.  It is the foundation for future strength and mobility.   In 1994, The Back to Sleep Campaign began to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Since that time the incidence of SIDS deaths has been reduced.  However, this recommended sleep position has also affected the natural sequence of development that includes tummy time.  When this recommendation was first told to parents, they were fearful of having baby on their tummies at any time.  As a result, babies became delayed in motor skills.  During this same time period the availability and use of positioning equipment for baby care increased.  These changes have influenced parenting styles.  What does this mean to parent and baby?  Often, babies do not like playing on their tummies and will get frustrated and unhappy.  Parents need their baby to be content and safe when they are busy and will often use positioning equipment to do this.  Use of the car seat has become common place not only in the car, but in the stroller, grocery cart or carried when out and about.  As a result, babies are missing out on valuable tummy time which promotes muscle, sensory, and brain development.  The Importance of Tummy Time was created to make tummy time more enjoyable and successful for caregiver and baby.

Tummy Time can be done over a boppy pillow or on your chest when your baby is frustrated with being on the floor.  Order our pamphlet for more ideas to make tummy time more successful for you and your baby!!

Get toy ideas for 0-12 months to help make tummy time more successful for you and your baby.  We support using toys without batteries.  Get more ideas of what toys work for tummy time when you order our pamphlet!