Why Does My Baby Look Like They’re Swimming?

“My little one looks like they are swimming when they’re doing tummy time now, what should I do to help them?”

ANSWER – That sounds like the Landau/super baby reflex, which is totally normal and they will work through it on their own as they move & explore floor movement!

This often happens while rolling is emerging OR after they have already started rolling, in which case they often suddenly stop! It can be so frustrating for them, and us BUT…. not only is it completely normal to see this swimming when on their belly – it’s a good thing!

This is reflex integration. Your little one is born with certain reflexes, and some occur as they age and learn to move against gravity. The reflex causing this swimming is called the Landau Reflex.

You’ll see this begin typically around 3 months old, and it will gradually integrate as they move through it & explore on the floor.

This reflex is responsible for assisting in development of postural control and moving away from flexion present at birth from the fetal/in utero position. Postural control in simple terms meaning the ability to maintain symmetry between the muscles on the front and back fo the body. The development of postural control is crucial for higher level motor skills, including sitting, standing, and walking – AND it’s also thought to contribute to attention & memory!

So, how do I help my baby get back to rolling?

Like mentioned above – your little one may have been rolling belly to back and is now stopping and seems to be “stuck” in the swimming phase. Again, even though it’s frustrating, TRULY – the answer to integration of this reflex is belly down time. The more time your little one has on their belly, the quicker they’ll work through it. BUT, there is things you can try in the interim!

One quick tip is to play with toy placement when they’re on their belly. (You can see what I mean in this post)

Try raising toys to eye level with head lifted, rather than flat on the floor, if vision is available to them. Auditory toys work great too! As the eyes come upward, vision assists in extending the head/neck/arms and they may (briefly) prop onto forearms or hands and come out of the superman position. If they go right back into it, that’s okay!

Overall- try not to stress – remind yourself it’s a GOOD thing, and they’ll be past this phase in no time, and stronger for it!

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.