Q: What is tummy time and why is it important?

Answered by: Dr Thanasegar Radakrishnan, Paediatrician, Pantai Hospital Ampang (PHA)

Tummy time is the practice of putting your baby on the tummy when awake and under supervision of an adult.  It is definitely recommended to place your baby on his or her back while sleeping to reduce risk of sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) but tummy time while awake gives the baby the opportunity to experience a different position than the usual  routine position of  lying on the back.

Tummy time to certain extent helps to prevent flat head, flat spots or positional plagiocephaly due to prolonged hours of lying on the back. 

It also helps a baby to develop strong back and shoulder muscles and helps in developing motor skills which can assist in the development of a baby. It helps to develop the skills they’ll need to crawl, roll over and stand.

Some babies may fuss and may not tolerate tummy time well. If a baby becomes restless and doesn’t like it, you may try changing the activity or the location.  It is best done when the diaper has been changed and the baby is happy, alert and interested in their surroundings. If you baby doesn’t like to be put on the floor, lie down  and you can  place baby on your chest and distract them by playing with the hands n feet gently and  you may rub the back also gently.

You may start initially at young age by placing on your lap on their tummy and gradually may put on flat surface on a cloth. Usually start at three or five minutes a time up to two or three times a day but always under supervision. As the child grows older, one may increase the duration and frequency. As child gets older, you may add toys nearby to help the baby play and encourage interaction with surroundings.