You probably know that putting your baby to sleep on their back is the safest sleeping position. It has significantly reduced the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. What you may not know is that alternative positions – side-lying and tummy – during their awake times are vital for their healthy development.
Babies who spend too much time lying on their backs can suffer plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape), brachiocephaly (flattened back of the head), and general developmental delays.
Tummy time is a baby workout that is necessary to develop strength, body awareness, and development. Every hour your baby is awake, expose them to some tummy time. You can lay them across your chest, over your lap or on the furniture beside you, or you may roll them gently on a yoga ball. Be sure to never leave your baby unattended.
With your baby supported in your arms, lean them forward so they can practice lifting their head. Encourage weight-bearing on their arms while they are seated on your lap. Simply lean them to one side or forward and place their hands on your thigh with the elbow extended.
During the day, limit your baby's time in a car seat. Leaving them in the seat at home, on a shopping cart, in restaurants or on stroller bases can create problems with head shape and cause developmental delays. Restrict their time in the car se3at to transportation times only.
For sleep, your baby is safest on their back. But when they are awake and ready to play and interact, give them a “workout” with tummy time.
Laura Douglas, P.T., is a pediatric physical therapist at Memorial Health University Medical Center. She sees patients in the Pooler office. Call (912) 273-1000 for more information.
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