LIVEWELL MINUTE: Tummy Time

Today’s babies spend more time on their backs then ever before, due to the important Back to Sleep recommendations. Because of this, many babies are missing out on quality tummy time.

Karen Manternach, Pediatric Physical Therapist, says “Tummy time is so important because it helps children develop the strength in their neck and their back muscles to help them roll, sit, and crawl as they develop in the first year of life.”

Babies need daily time lying on their tummies to develop strength and body awareness. Tummy time helps babies:

• Develop strength in their neck and arms;
• Learn to crawl, scoot and use their hands;
• Develop balance and coordination, which is critical to crawling and walking;
• Enhance eye-hand coordination; and
• Build confidence and independence as they explore the world around them.

Manternach says, Tummy time is a time to be on their tummy either on your chest or on a boppy pillow or with a roll under their chest when they re awake and alert and it s a supervised play time. You need to be with your child during their tummy time.