 |
Why do babies need tummy time?
In line with the teaching of SIDS and Kids, it is very important that infants sleep on their backs and the reduction in sudden infant deaths since the education on safe sleeping has been remarkable. However, in some instances, this teaching has lead to a general fear amongst mothers about ever placing their babies on their tummies. Contrary to this, it is very important that babies experience a variety of postural positions to enhance the development of their movement and balance skills. Physiotherapists working with infants and young children have combined with the SIDS and Kids to promote the safe positioning of babies on their tummies, under supervision, during waking times.
Babies have very strong protective and postural reflexes which make them want to keep their eyes horizontal and lift up their heads. The early development of these reflexes is evident in very young babies, while on their tummies, in that they can lift their heads, enough to turn it from side to side. Gradually they become able to lift their heads enough to look around and will start to prop higher using their arms for assistance. These movements strengthen their backs: a benefit for later core stability and balance. Babies who do not spend waking time playing on their tummies do not develop these skills.
Some babies do not like lying on their tummies, particularly in the weeks when they are not strong enough to lift their heads. During these times it is useful to find alternative ways of encouraging tummy play, such as carrying them with their tummies along your arm, or by putting their tummies over your knees. They often feel safer like this as they enjoy the close contact with the person playing with them.
It is very important to follow the recommendations of SIDS and Kids for safe sleeping practices which is freely available at most maternity units, infant welfare organisations and childcare centres. Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep, as far down the cot as possible and with the covers secured firmly.
Finding time for tummy time from a very early age, infants should be introduced to being placed on their tummies. This can occur during the preparation for their bath when a parent is dressing or undressing them. This is a really good time for some gentle massage and play. Gently rolling a baby from back to tummy to allow for doing up buttons and straightening clothing is a lovely way to introduce some tummy time.
Never leave a baby unattended, even for short periods, when they are on a table or bed. When placed on their tummies, even the tiniest of babies will make kicking movements with their legs. It is possible for them to make some forward movement even at this early stage and this is very dangerous if not supervised.
An unsettled baby can often be comforted by being placed on his or her tummy across a mother's lap or along a forearm, while having his or her back rubbed. As a baby develops more strength and awareness, many will prefer to play on their tummies and, once they learn to roll, they are able to make a choice about their favoured playing position. Strong arm support and transfer of body weight to allow forward-reaching for a toy are important forerunners in the development of balance and coordination, which will eventually lead to walking skills and good hand use and writing skills.
Strategies for protection
It is good to develop a pattern for going to sleep: babies generally respond well to routines. While adhering to the safe sleeping principles, it is good to vary the position of the cot or the end at which the baby sleeps, to alter the position of the light from the window or the side from which the baby will be approached to be picked up. It is remarkable how early babies will learn to look at the light or gaze in the direction of someone coming to get them. If this is continually the same it can lead to a head being held in one direction and thus flattening on that side.
A newborn baby has a very soft and mouldable head, something which is a great benefit during the birthing process, but continually lying, turned one way, will alter the shape of the head, causing flattening on the underside. We all have some element of asymmetry in our bodies but persistence of one head position will cause a marked asymmetry. Parents who have a concern about the development or head shape of their baby should consult their child health nurse, their doctor or a paediatric physiotherapist.
Finding out more
The National Committee of the Paediatric Group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association has been working with SIDS and Kids and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne to develop a brochure to assist parents and carers in the prevention of plagioceplaly.
Sue Charlton
APA Paediatric Physiotherapist
South Australia
Email: suecharlton@internode.on.net
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Sharon Vladusic from the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and Anne McCoy from the National Paediatric Group, APA for their work in the production of the poster and brochure, and also to SIDS and Kids for their assistance. Photos courtesy of Matt Hall, APA National Office.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
|
|
