Encouraging Physical Activity in Infants by Steve Sanders

Author:Steve Sanders
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gryphon House, Inc.
Published: 2015-06-30T00:00:00+00:00

Back and Tummy—Did You Know?

Have you heard the saying “back to sleep and tummy to play”? Most pediatricians suggest that babies should sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the stomach increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, known as SIDS. The baby should sleep on a smooth, flat surface with no toys, pillows, or blankets close that might block his airway. Tummy play time is important because developing strong neck muscles allows the infant to move away from anything that might block his airway when sleeping.

There are no set guidelines for the amount of time the six-week-old should spend on his stomach each day. Start gradually with a few minutes at a time and work up to ten to fifteen minutes two or three times each day. By about three months of age, the baby should get at least ninety minutes of tummy time each day. Do tummy time when the child is alert and happy, not when he is not feeling well or is fussy. You will know that it is time to pick the baby up and end the activity when he gets fussy or starts crying. Do not do tummy time right after feeding, as the pressure on his stomach may cause him to spit up. If the infant falls asleep during tummy time, make sure to place him on his back to continue sleeping.

When a baby is ready for tummy time, you will already have prepared him for the activity. Each time you place the infant high up on your shoulder to burp, he is working the neck muscles to hold up his head. The higher up you hold him on your shoulder, the more he works the muscles required to keep his head up and steady.

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