Back vs. Tummy

Pediatric experts stress the importance of tummy time to prevent conditions caused by babies spending significant amounts of time on their backs.

Exercise those arms!—Isabel Sofie of Coopersburg, age 5 months, gets the benefits of tummy time.

Babies spend a lot of time on their backs: sleeping, playing and even eating. But it’s just as important for them to have “tummy time” when they’re awake, says pediatrician Gwendolyn Chung, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Since the early 1990s, pediatricians have stressed putting babies to sleep on their backs to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It’s working—the number of SIDS-related deaths has significantly decreased. “But spending time on their bellies is crucial for babies’ development,” Chung says. “It prevents conditions that can arise if they spend too much time on their backs.”

In their first few months, infants can develop “flat head syndrome” (plagiocephaly), in which they have a flat spot or their head becomes asymmetrical. Usually, the flat area disappears when they begin to roll (typically at 3-4 months of age). If your baby’s head seems significantly flat or asymmetrical, talk to your pediatrician. In extreme cases, a baby may need a positioning helmet.

Another risk is a condition called torticollis. The baby’s neck muscles tighten, causing the head to tilt only to one side. “In recent years, we’re seeing more of this,” says Chung’s colleague, pediatric physical therapist Debora Chabak. “Torticollis may be caused by reflux, weak muscles or vision problems, but a major culprit is being positioned consistently on the back.” Therapy includes stretching, strengthening exercises—and tummy time.

Here’s how to make sure your baby has the right balance of positions:

Begin early. Put your baby on his tummy soon after he’s born by holding him on your chest while he’s awake. Don’t wait until he can hold his head up (which usually occurs at 2-3 months).

Plan daily tummy time. The more time your baby spends on his tummy, the more he’ll like it. The position strengthens his upper-body muscles to begin crawling— important for developing motor skills.

Move play to the floor. Throughout the day, your baby goes from the crib to the bouncy seat to the car carrier to the swing—all while lying on his back. When he’s awake, put him on a blanket on the floor with toys he can reach for while he’s lying on his belly.

Switch crib positions. Alternate your baby’s position in his crib, sleeping or awake, so he’s not always facing in the same direction.

Want to Know More about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, May June 2009

This page last updated 4/27/09 08:45 AM