Many babies do not enjoy TummyTime!.   Okay, I'm downplaying this, some babies hate it!  :) 

Why is it that an adorable baby like yours does not want to lie on his or her tummy?        Does it hurt?      Is it frustrating?    Is it the hardest thing they've done in their lives?   Is there something wrong?

Please hear me on this.   TummyTime! itself does not hurt.  Yes, it can be a frustrating experience, but only because your baby is learning to push their body weight (and the weight of their big heads) up with their arms. They are learning to lift their heads and turn side to side to look at their world.  They are developing the throat and mouth areas for future speaking.  Their visual systems are learning how to coordinate two eyes together.  So yes.....it can be frustrating.   HOWEVER, helping our babies get enough TummyTime! is very important for development and movement!  We do it because it's good for the babies!

That being said, your baby MAY be uncomfortable in TummyTime!  This is only true if your baby has areas of tightness or restriction in the head, neck, shoulders and back.  If you suspect your baby has actual discomfort, please get in touch with me or someone else who is qualified to work with babies.  Tension and areas of restriction clear up quickly in babies, and it typically takes 1-2 sessions of relaxation training for the babies to respond.

Since tummy time is so important, how can you help your baby enjoy it?

some options.....

1.  Private session - You and your baby will work one on one with me over 2-3 sessions.  In addition to these sessions, you will practice daily at home.

2.  Group session - Therapist facilitates a group.  Classes are once a week for 45 minutes.   Classes at the Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center run between 6 and 9 weeks in length.  Classes held elsewhere are once a week for 45 minutes for four sessions.  Parents and babies work together in Tummy Time!.  The babies love watching other babies doing Tummy Time!   It's very encouraging. 

Individual sessions can be scheduled by calling Michelle, the "Tummy Tutor"  at (513) 351-1367.

Group sessions are currently being held at Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center www.theplaceforfamilies.com

Good Health. 

What does this mean for your baby? 

One aspect of good health means the tummy operates smoothly without stress.   If your baby has reflux, colic symptoms, irregular bowel movements (healthy baby makes at least 2 bowel movements a day), excessive gas or crying, then the tummy is not functioning smoothly.  When a baby, or any individual, lays on their tummy, the internal organs are given the right amount of pressure, almost like a massage, which stimulates function.  In addition, the big breathing muscle, called the respiratory diaphragm, is able to stretch and elongate.  Beyond helping us breathe, that muscle also stimulates our bowels to function properly.

TummyTime! promotes good health by smoothing tummy function. 

 Another aspect of good health for babies is movement.  There are many babies who have decreased neck and shoulder movement for their age.   You may notice that your baby looks in one direction most of the time, or constantly lays on one side of their head during sleep.  This is a sign that your baby may have trouble with head and neck movements. 

TummyTime! promotes good health through movement.

Another aspect of good health is head shape.  For baby's brain and nerves to function effectively, the head and neck need to be as free from tightness as possible.  Most babies are sleeping on their backs, so they spend long periods of time with pressure on one area of the head.  Babies are then placed on their backs to play, further reinforcing the pressure on that area of the head.  Tummy time gives the head optimal pressure relief and actually offsets the time your baby spends putting pressure on the back of the skull.  Your baby's skull is soft and molds easily.  The best way to ensure a nice round head without flat spots is to do tummy time every day!

TummyTime! promotes good health through optimal head shape.

Another aspect of good health is brain development.  While doing tummy time, baby gets sensory input (touch, feel, pressure) on the face, hands, forearms, chest, tummy and hips, which helps the brain program the body for developmental skills.  Babies need a variety of sensory input on their face and hands. This is how they learn in the first year of life.  Once the baby is free from areas of tightness or restriction, TummyTime! is actually soothing to your baby.  It provides a wonderful stimulus to the brain for organization.

TummyTime! promotes good health through brain development

 Another aspect of good health is relaxation.  After doing TummyTime! everyday for several weeks, your baby will begin to enjoy laying on his or her tummy.   Babies usually play with contentment, reaching for toys, stretching out, etc.   Some babies even prefer to nap on their tummies, especially when they are able to get in and out of Tummy Time by themselves. 

TummyTime! promotes good health through relaxation

It's never too early or too late to start TummyTime! (tm)