Child's Play
Occupational Therapy Services
For Children
Monthly Topic-January 2000
"The Importance of 'Tummy Time' in Infants and Young Children"
Introduction:
Many parents wonder what types of activities are appropriate for their young children. In attempts to provide a stimulating environment, parents often purchase many bright and colorful toys. Many of these toys are great at promoting sensory awareness and development. However, other activities that require no special materials are often overlooked. "Tummy Time" is one of those activities.
What is "Tummy Time"?:
This concept is almost as simple as the name implies. It is often the most simple concepts of play that are overlooked by parents and professionals alike. Children need time playing on their tummies. With all the fabulous contraptions readily available to parents including jumpers, exersaucers, carseats, bouncy seats, playpens etc.., many parents neglect to place their children on the floor on their tummies as often as they should. This is a very basic play concept that has been sadly lost sight of in the past decade.
When is "Tummy Time" Appropriate?:
A parent should introduce "Tummy Time" when the child is able to hold their head up against gravity intermittently. This usually occurs between the ages of 2 to 3 months of age. A child need not be able to completely hold their head up to be eligible for "Tummy Time". Infants who are not yet able to move their face and head away from the ground in this position can be "helped" by gently propping them up on a rolled up towel, bolster or pillow. Infants and young children should ALWAYS be supervised by an adult while in this position. Infants should be provided with "Tummy Time" at least once daily and more frequently if possible. Each tummy session need not be for long stretches of time either. Placing a child on their tummies for 5-10 minute spurts is quite beneficial, especially when done a few times a day. "Tummy Time" continues to be extremely beneficial through 5 years of age. These older children can spend "Tummy Time" when watching videos, coloring and playing with toys.
Benefits of "Tummy Time":
"Tummy Time" is beneficial for several reasons. One benefit is sensory experience. When positioned on their tummies children experience the world through an entirely different perspective. They feel their body in a different position, feel the effects of gravity differently on their body parts and see their environment from a different perspective. Another benefit is the development of muscle strength and coordination of those muscles needed to maintain this position. When children are positioned on their tummies at a young age it helps promote the development of their neck, shoulder and upper trunk muscles. Their head control vastly improves when these muscles are strengthened, as does their ability to use their arms and hands for activities. These muscles are integral for activities like reaching, grasping, manipulating, rolling, sitting, crawling and walking. Children continue to need "Tummy Time" as they get older due to the increased need for upper body strength and coordination for more complex activities.
Conclusion:
The importance of "Tummy Time" is clear. It is beneficial for all children and helps to further promote their development in the areas of gross motor, fine motor, and sensory motor functioning. It also helps promote their cognitive and social skills. Every parent should set aside a few minutes each day to make sure their child benefits from some "Tummy Time". So get out some toys and get down on the floor for some good ole fashioned "Tummy Time"!
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