Tummy time

Many parents are afraid to place their baby on their tummy when they’re awake, especially if they aren’t yet able to hold up their head. But to develop properly, your baby needs to spend time in different positions, in particular on their tummy.

Tummy time: Recommendations

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends placing your baby on their stomach at least three times a day, for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Your baby should always be awake and supervised by an adult when they’re on their belly.

Your little one will get used to tummy time more quickly if they start spending a few minutes in this position every day from their first week of life. Try to gradually increase the length of these sessions.

It’s very important to alternate between placing your baby’s head to the left and right if they’re not able to lift it yet on their own. This will prevent them from developing a preference for either side.

Since part of the umbilical cord remains attached for up to a few weeks after birth, avoid placing your baby belly-down on a hard surface during this time. Lay them on a blanket on the changing table, for instance, or on your chest. It’ll be easier for them to adjust to being on their belly if they’re comfortable and close to you.

If your baby starts to cry when you place them on their stomach, switch to a different position and try again later in the day. If, on the other hand, they enjoy tummy time, they can lie on their belly for as long as they like while they’re awake.

The benefits of tummy time

Contrary to what some people believe, babies benefit from lying on their stomach. A little tummy time every day is important for several reasons:

• It prevents your baby from developing flat head syndrome. Babies can develop a flat spot on the back of their head if they always lie or sit the same way in their crib, car seat, or baby bouncer. It’s a sign they’re spending too much time in the same position.
• It strengthens their upper body (neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands) because they have to use those muscles to lift their head and explore their surroundings.
• It develops their gross motor skills as they learn to crawl, sit, and roll.
• It helps them develop their senses by changing their perspective and the way they see the world around them.
• It helps them bond with you when you place them belly-down on your chest.

How do you get your baby used to tummy time?

Some babies don’t really like being on their stomach. If this is the case for your child, the following tips may help them get used to it.

• Start placing your baby on their tummy from the time they’re just a few days old. Use softer surfaces at first to protect their umbilical cord stump, and focus on frequency rather than duration.
• When your baby is on their back, gently turn them onto their stomach. This is less jarring than placing them directly on their stomach.
• Take advantage of diaper changes to place your baby on their tummy if they’re completely awake and ready to play. You can place a reminder near their changing table.
• Place your baby on their stomach and get down in front of them. They will naturally be drawn to your face and your voice. Try placing mirrors and toys around your baby. Make sure the objects are in their field of vision to attract their attention. To make the activity more relaxing, you can sing nursery rhymes or gently massage your little one’s back. If your baby is over 3 months old, you can also prop their arms up slightly with a small rolled-up blanket or towel.
• Walk around your home with your baby on your forearm, their eyes to the ground. Keep them cradled to your body, as babies are curious and may squirm as they try to look around.
• Lie on your back and have some fun “tummy-to-tummy” time with your baby. Always steady them with your hands to prevent them from falling.
• If your baby has trouble staying on their belly, don’t hesitate to talk to their doctor, a nurse, or a pediatric physiotherapist.

Things to keep in mind

• Babies can be placed on their belly within days of being born as long as they’re awake and supervised by an adult the whole time.
• To promote healthy development and prevent flat head syndrome, babies should spend time on their tummy every day while they’re awake.
• Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep.

Scientific review: Nathalie Trottier, physiotherapy and osteopathy graduate and doctoral student in the health sciences research program at Université de Sherbrooke, and physiotherapists Nathalie Thiffault and Évelyne Labonté Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: October 2024

Photo: iStock.com