References: 

1. Pathways.Org- Tummy time

2. Canadian Paediatric Society- Preventing flat heads in babies who sleep on their backs  

3. Kidshealth.org- Tummy Time

What is tummy time?

• Tummy time is placing babies on their stomachs for brief periods of time as part of their daily routine 
• Tummy time is important for babies to increase neck and shoulder control, and strengthen their upper body muscles
• Important activity to meet further developmental milestones such as rolling, reaching and independent sitting
• Helps prevent babies developing flat spot on back or side of head

What age can I start tummy time?

• Tummy time can start as soon as baby is born
• Build into daily routine, short but frequent times for baby to get used to it, building up to at least 1 hour a day by 3 months old

Positions to support tummy time

Tummy time doesn’t have to be on the floor on a play mat, try these other ways:

• Tummy to tummy placing baby on your chest so baby is facing you, always holding baby firmly for safety
• Tummy down carry, slide one hand between baby’s legs and stomach and other hand to support head and neck, snuggle close to your body
• Lap soothe place baby face down across your lap, always holding baby firmly for safety
• After diaper changes place baby on tummy for a few minutes to build into routine

How to help my baby like tummy time

• Babies may not like being on tummy right away, try to do when baby is changed, fed and awake
• Use mirrors or picture books for newborns to encourage head lifting and visual tracking
• Roll up a blanket or towel and place under babies' chest with arms forward for support
• Face to face with baby, get down to their level, sing, smile and talk with them
• Place a favourite toy to encourage older babies to reach, roll or rotate to get the toy

Tummy time safety

• Always supervise your baby during tummy time. Make sure no small pieces or broken objects are near that could be swallowed 
• Place a soft blanket or mat on floor to support and cushion underneath body 
• Don’t practice on a couch, chair or bed where baby could roll off or suffocate on pillows
• Always place baby to sleep on their back, tummy time is for when baby is awake and alert

Further Your Learning:

1. Pathways.org- Infant Motor Development and Tummy Time

2. Canadian Paediatric Society- Active Kids, Healthy Kids

Shareable Resources for clients:

1. Essential Tummy Time Moves

2. ICDS program brochure

3. Sunnybrook Hospital - Tummy time exercises for your baby

Referral Sources:

1. Infant and Child Development Services