Are There Other Positions Than Tummy Time That We Should Work On?
“Should I focus the most time on tummy time or should it be equal with back and sidling? Does it matter?”
ANSWER - Tummy time is definitely what we hear the most about, but positions like sidelying and back play are so important too! They help with so many things like changing pressure on the skull and prepping for upcoming milestones!
Here are 4 of my favorite positions for your 0-4 month old that have SO much benefit when it comes to development!
Grab a blanket or towel, roll it up, & give them a shot! (You can watch my video here to see how to do each position)
Here’s the breakdown:
SUPPORTED BACK PLAY
Benefits- encourages hands to midline, activation of the front muscles on the body (huge for the skills that start around 3 months), and adding in the activities shown is amazing for brain development, crossing midline, body awareness, and more!SUPPORTED TUMMY TIME
Benefits: allows baby to get the benefits of tummy time and work their back muscles, while making it slightly easier to avoid frustration.SIDELYING ON BOTH SIDES
Benefits: encourages hands to midline, activates front muscles, encourages rolling, changes pressure on the skull (which reduces risk of flattening AND can even help improve existing flattening).
Here’s how I incorporate these into a day: focus on ONE position per wake window.
For example: nap, back play, eat, nap, tummy time, eat, nap, sidelying right, eat, nap, sidelying left. It doesn’t matter how long your little one stays in it, remember- quality over quantity!
As they get older/stronger, reduce the height of the towel or blanket roll until they are flat on the floor for all of them!
Hope this helps!
Want More?
For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.
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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.
