Babies: ‘Back to sleep, tummy to play’

By Deborah Compton

Since 1994, the “Back to Sleep” campaign has decreased the incidence of deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).  In addition to decreasing the deaths due to SIDS, however, the campaign has also decreased the amount of time that babies spend on their tummies.  With most babies spending less time on their tummies, there have been increased motor delays in infants.

Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed the “Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play” campaign.  Spending time on the tummy (or in a prone position) encourages development of strength in the neck, arms and upper back.  Increased strength of the neck, arms and upper back encourages head control and turning, rolling, and crawling.  Besides strengthening, tummy time prevents or minimizes skull deformities (or flat spots on the back of a baby’s head), which in severe cases can lead to problems with brain development.

Because there is still a risk of death due to SIDS with sleeping on the tummy, it is still recommended that infants are place on their backs for sleeping through the night and for naps.  However, when an infant is awake and supervised, it is advised to place infants on their tummies at least 2-3 times per day.  This activity can be initiated right after birth or at least at 1 month of age when the umbilical cord has fallen off.  If it is implemented later in infancy, babies may be less tolerant to lying on their tummy.

As babies are enjoying tummy time, caregivers are encouraged to play with them to promote further development.  Below are great ways to play with babies while they are in “tummy time.”

• Lay babies on one’s chest so that they will lift their heads to look at the caregiver’s face.
• Put toys in a circle around babies to encourage reaching and scooting on their tummy.
• Place a mirror in front of babies to encourage them to look up.
• Lie on one’s stomach with a baby.
• Prop a baby’s upper arms over a small pillow or nursing pillow.
• It may also be wise to wait for at least an hour after a meal for the baby’s comfort.

Parents and caregivers are vital to the development of infants’ motor skills.  If you do notice delay of your baby’s development, physical or occupational therapy can be implemented to improve the motor skills and educate the caregivers.  For more information about tummy time or a baby’s motor development, call Debby Compton, PT, DPT, at Van Wert Count Hospital’s Physical Rehabilitation Department at 419.238.8626.