Adding 'tummy time' helps avoid cranial asymmetry

In 1994, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) instituted its “Back to Sleep” campaign to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. While it has been wonderfully effective in preventing infant death, there have been some unexpected results.  

A new trend has developed, where parents and caregivers have focused on positioning their infants on their backs (floor-based play stations, carriers, bouncer seats) to the exclusion of stomach-based or side-lying positions. Along with this trend came awareness that infants were displaying cranial asymmetry (flattening at the back of the head) and delays in motor-skill development.  

Now, the AAP recommends that infants have some daily playtime on their stomachs. Thus, the term “tummy time.”  

Tummy time has special benefits for your baby. It allows the head to form in a round shape (instead of flattening on the back). It encourages a different view and perspective of the world, and it strengthens the neck and upper back muscles that your child needs in order to lift and rotate their head, push up their body, stabilize their arms and progress to rolling, crawling, sitting and, eventually, walking.

Tummy time involves placement of your infant on their stomach or side-lying for at least 30 minutes daily, with the time broken down into five15-minute intervals.  

Begin with short sessions and gradually lengthen the time as your baby gets stronger. This can begin with newborns but should certainly be done by the time the child is three months old. While in this position, the infant must work hard to use the neck and back muscles that lift and turn their head.

Don’t be surprised if the child is fussy or cries. Just work to make the time fun and keep trying.

Here are some ways to make this more fun for your child:

• Lay on your belly in front of the baby. Sing, talk, show favorite toys and generally try to get your child to look up or to the side. Encourage the child to reach for toys.

• Lay on your back with your baby on their tummy on your chest, so that you are looking at each other.

• Put a plastic mirror where your child can see their reflection.

• Place your child with their tummy on your thighs while you are sitting. Have them facing a different or interesting view.

• When the child is able to lift and turn their head, try placing a nursing pillow or rolled cloth under your baby’s chest. This gives extra elevation that allows the baby a greater view.

• Always supervise your child during tummy time. If the child falls asleep, turn them onto their back.

For more information on tummy time, or other child-care concerns, contact your medical-care provider or your local pediatric therapists at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.

(Cindy Sullivan is an occupational therapist at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center.)