By Dr Shinay Labuschagne (Chiropractor)
When you have a new baby, there’s so much to figure out. Feeding, sleeping, settling, nappies, milestones… and then someone tells you your baby needs “tummy time” too!
Why Is Tummy Time Important?
Babies are born with very little control over their head and trunk. As they grow, they’re gradually learning how to control their movements.
Tummy time gives your baby an opportunity to work against gravity and practise using the muscles around their neck, shoulders, arms, back and tummy.
These early movement experiences are part of the gradual process of learning skills such as:
- Lifting and controlling their head
- Reaching and grasping
- Rolling
- Sitting
- Crawling
- Eventually standing and walking
It’s not about getting your baby to reach milestones faster. Every baby develops at their own pace. Think of tummy time as another opportunity to move, play and discover what their body can do.
How We Look at Your Baby’s Movement
When we assess babies, we’re interested in how they’re moving and using their body as they grow.
Can your baby comfortably turn their head both ways? Do they strongly prefer looking in one direction? Are they using both arms and legs? How are they progressing through different movements?
These observations can give us useful information to discuss with you.
A paediatric chiropractic assessment at Family Chiropractic Bundaberg isn’t about “fixing” normal development or trying to make a baby reach a particular milestone. It’s an opportunity to assess how your baby is moving, talk through what you’ve noticed at home and provide age-appropriate guidance where suitable.
“My Baby Hates Tummy Time!”
If your baby protests every time you put them on their tummy, you’re definitely not alone.
It can be hard work for little bodies, so you don’t need to force a long session on the floor. Try starting with short periods and see how your baby responds.
Tummy time might be:
- On your chest while you’re awake and supervising
- Across your lap
- On the floor with you lying face-to-face
- With a favourite toy or mirror nearby
- In several short sessions throughout the day
And don’t underestimate the power of your own face and voice. Get down on their level, talk to them and give them something familiar to look towards. The goal isn’t perfect tummy time. It’s simply giving your baby regular opportunities to explore movement.
What Should Parents Look Out For?
Every baby develops differently, but it can be useful to notice patterns.
Perhaps your baby consistently looks to one side, has difficulty turning their head in one direction or seems uncomfortable during tummy time. You might notice a flat spot developing on their head or that they appear to use one side of their body differently from the other.
These observations don’t necessarily mean something is wrong, but they’re worth discussing with an appropriate healthcare professional.
A chiropractor who works with babies can assess your baby’s movement and discuss whether further assessment or referral to another healthcare professional may be appropriate.
Give Your Baby Opportunities to Move
Babies don’t need fancy equipment or complicated exercises to explore movement.
Everyday opportunities to move, play and interact with you allow them to practise using their bodies as they grow. Tummy time is just one part of that.
And if you’re unsure about what you’re noticing or have questions about your baby’s movement, we’re happy to talk with you about your concerns and whether an assessment may be appropriate.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual advice from your healthcare provider.