By Ms Dharini S, Paediatric Physiotherapist, Chennai
Tummy time is an activity which is vital for the development of strength necessary for motor milestones.
Prevention of Positional Plagiocephaly (Flat Head)
Prolonged periods of lying on the back can lead to flat spots on your infant’s head, also called as plagiocephaly. Spending time on the tummy will help in reducing pressure on the back of the head, hence reducing the risk of flat head.
Strengthened Muscles
As the child tries to balance the body while actively exploring the surroundings, neck, back and shoulder muscles are strengthened — which is essential for neck control, crawling, sitting, etc.
Promotes Hand-Eye Coordination
Babies lift their head and reach for objects during tummy time, which develops hand-eye coordination and in turn helps in the development of fine motor skills.
Make Sure Your Child Is Supervised
Tummy time is effective for strength development, but care must be taken while doing it. Exercise care to not exceed 30 minutes of duration or let the child sleep on tummy, to prevent breathing difficulty.
