Let’s Talk Tummy Time: How to keep your baby happy on their belly
As an occupational therapist, I (Callie) love helping families find creative ways to consistently add tummy time to a baby’s routine. From a head shape perspective, tummy time is an essential part of preventing the development or worsening of a flat spot.
Before we get into the details of how to make tummy time super-duper fun, let’s bust a common myth that is often relayed to families who are concerned about head shape:
Tummy time can help prevent a flat spot from developing or worsening, but it will not help correct a flat spot once it has developed.
We often have families come to us to share a conversation with their provider where they brought up a concern about their baby’s head shape and the provider replied with something along the lines of, “just do more tummy time and it’ll round out on its own.”
Unfortunately, that simply is not correct. Although there are some ways to prevent and correct a head shape conservatively, the answer isn’t found in tummy time alone. Unless there is a force applied to the head, the skull bones will not shift (read this article for a better understanding on how a flat spot develops, worsens, and improves).
So what are the benefits of tummy time in the context of head shape?
graphic created by Pathways.org
Tummy time strengthens the neck, back, arm, and core muscles that help the baby progress through and achieve milestones. The sooner a baby is able to roll onto their side or belly, the less time is spent on the back of their head in their preferred position (often the flat spot). We love it when we hear that babies are able to sit up independently and/or sleep on their bellies; these two milestones reduce the amount of time spent on the back of the head significantly!
Tummy time helps babies resolve torticollis and other muscle tension. Torticollis and muscle tension are often one of the root causes of flat spots. Tightness on one side of the body often gets stronger if the opposite side of the body isn’t strengthened. Tummy time works to stretch out tight muscles while strengthening the opposing ones.
Tummy Time Tips: How to help your baby tolerate (and even enjoy) it
Note: Tummy time should always be done on a firm surface and with direct supervision for its entire duration.
Break it up. You can start tummy time as soon as you get home from the hospital and add it into your routine from day one. The current recommendation is to accumulate 30 minutes per day. This can be broken up into several 2-3 minute spurts (which can be seamlessly added to your play/awake times as detailed below).
Pick your time wisely. Be intentional about when you do your tummy time so your baby is alert and not too hungry. Just like with us, an overtired or hungry baby likely won’t enjoy their little workout session.
Stretch first. If your baby has torticollis or body tension, it can be very helpful to complete any stretches that a physical or occupational therapist may have taught you prior to tummy time. This relaxes the tight muscles so your baby doesn’t feel the tension as they work hard strengthening.
Extra tip: if your baby really struggles with tolerating tummy time and you haven’t seen a therapist, that would be a great next step. Stretches can be a game-changer for a baby’s comfort levels during tummy time.
Use props and toys. The goal for tummy time is to keep the baby engaged in a way that encourages head and neck movement, reaching, and weight shifting. Some popular and effective props to help offload some of the weight of the head could include a nursing pillow or a firm wedge. Mirrors, a playmat, toys that light up, and crinkly books are excellent toys to sustain a baby’s attention (even if it’s for a minute at a time!)
Use your body. Place your baby on your chest, get down on their level, position them over your knee, or hold them in a belly-down football position. They’ll love the time with you!
Create connection. Speaking of quality time… You are likely your baby’s favorite toy! This is the perfect time to make silly faces, noises, and gestures. Work hard to get those smiles and giggles - tummy time can be a beautiful opportunity for bonding and connecting.
Remember: it doesn’t hurt, it’s just hard work. Be mindful of timing, be intentional about connecting, and be consistent. Both of your hard work will pay off!
My Baby Might Have A Flat Spot… Now What?
If you have any concerns about the shape of your baby’s head, please reach out. We offer a variety of services to help determine the best plan of action for your little one. You can check out our services here and schedule your appointment via our online platform: Baby Bear Cranial Clinic Scheduling.