Tummy Time and Babywearing: A Perfect Match for Happy, Healthy Babies
Welcome to the world of parenting, where every moment with your little one is an opportunity for growth and development! Tummy time is a crucial component of your baby's journey toward achieving developmental milestones. A crucial aspect of infant development that often takes center stage, tummy time is a term you've probably heard before. But do you know what it entails and how to integrate it into your daily routine? The benefits are numerous, and it's not just us saying this; we've invited one of our favorite pediatric physical therapists, Dr. Bonnie, to share some insights about the wonderful world of tummy time and how babywearing can be a game-changer.
THE SHORT VERSION
- Tummy time is when you place your baby on their stomach on a safe surface while they’re awake and under supervision.
- Tummy time strengthens neck, shoulder, and core muscles to prepare a baby for important movement milestones: rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking.
- If you get down on the floor too, tummy time can be a good time for connection between you and your baby.
- Babywearing can be a stand-in for some tummy time sessions. In a carrier, a baby can use their arms and body to press into you just like when they are on the floor.
- While babywearing does not entirely replace tummy time on the floor, it is a great way to make tummy time-like exercise easier for everyone.
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hope&plum carriers appropriately support the baby’s spine, place the hips in the M shape position, and are comfortable for the caregiver’s body too!
What Exactly is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is when you place your baby on their stomach on a safe surface while they're awake and under supervision. It's recommended by pediatricians and experts worldwide because it plays a crucial role in your baby's growth. During tummy time, your little one has the opportunity to lift their head, push up on their arms, and even kick their legs. It's all about letting them flex those muscles and explore the great unknown from a new angle, and it's fantastic for building their strength!
"Tummy time is an opportunity for your baby to stretch out from that flexed fetal position and remove pressure from the back of their head. Tummy time is a foundational activity that strengthens neck, shoulder, and core muscles to prepare a baby to move: roll, sit, crawl, and walk. Tummy time also stimulates your baby’s sensory systems in novel ways. Tummy time allows your baby to explore the capabilities of their body and to then go on and explore their environment."
- Dr. Bonnie (PT, DPT)
Benefits of Tummy Time
There are many benefits of tummy time that are far-reaching and go beyond physical development. Yes, your baby will build those all-important neck and shoulder muscles, but there's more to it.
Babywearing as Tummy Time
Babywearing counts as tummy time support. What?! Yup. Do you sometimes find tummy time hard to squeeze in, or does your baby fuss after only a few minutes of being on the floor? Then hope&plum has got you covered with ergonomic baby carriers that can serve a similar purpose.
“Babywearing is a great part of a tummy time program. While babywearing, a baby has contact through arms and body to press into you just like when they are on the floor. Their head can lift, balance, and move around in all directions. I love babywearing because it requires a baby to use the full extent of their neck range of motion to turn to both sides and look up at their parent. Babywearing as part of a tummy time program can be very rewarding because the baby is close to you, which is calming for them. While we can’t roll in and out in a baby carrier, baby’s senses are being stimulated by the movement that you provide- whether you are doing things around the house or out running errands. Babywearing does not replace tummy time on the floor; bouts of this are still important, but it is a great way to make tummy time easier for everyone!”
- Dr. Bonnie (PT, DPT)
Exciting, right?! So if you’re already babywearing, congrats, you are on your way to getting those tummy time hours in. And if you’re not babywearing yet, now you have even more of a reason to give it a try!
Tips for Babywearing as Tummy Time
So, how can you effectively incorporate babywearing into your tummy time routine? Here are some practical tips:
Choose a comfortable baby carrier (we can help you with that) that provides proper support for both you and your baby.
Ensure that your baby is positioned safely and securely in the carrier, with their head and neck well-supported.
Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets more comfortable.
Use this time for interactive play and bonding with your baby.
Our baby carriers are designed with your baby's comfort and safety in mind. Here's what to look for in a baby carrier that will contribute to a successful tummy time routine:
“As a pediatric PT, I am very picky about the baby carriers that I use and recommend to my families. Because babywearing can have such a positive impact on the baby, parent, and the whole family unit the carrier needs to be a practical and sustainable tool. Carriers need to appropriately support the baby’s spine, place the hips in the M shape position, and be comfortable for the caregiver’s body too. hope&plum carriers meet all of those criteria!”
- Dr. Bonnie (PT, DPT)
Tummy time is a vital aspect of your baby's development, and babywearing with hope&plum carriers makes it even more accessible and enjoyable for both you and your little one. Remember that every moment of interaction with your baby counts, and these precious moments contribute to their growth and well-being.
As you explore our range of hope&plum baby carriers, you'll find options that are perfect for integrating tummy time into your daily routine. Whether it's bonding, strengthening, or simply making memories, hope&plum is here to support you on your parenting journey.
Tummy Time and Babywearing FAQ
What is tummy time?
Tummy time is when you place your baby on their stomach on a safe surface while they’re awake and under supervision. It’s recommended by pediatricians and experts worldwide because it plays a crucial role in your baby’s growth and development.
Why is tummy time important for babies?
Tummy time strengthens neck, shoulder, and core muscles to prepare a baby to roll, sit, crawl, and walk. It’s also an opportunity for your baby to stretch out from that flexed fetal position and remove pressure from the back of their head.
What's the best way to start tummy time with a fussy baby?
If your baby resists an abrupt start to tummy time, try placing your baby on their back. Engage them in play and connection to assess their readiness. Slowly get them to track a toy off to the side while helping them roll in that direction until they’re in the working tummy time position.
Can tummy time help prevent a flat head?
Tummy time can be used as a tool to prevent head flattening. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping and a lot of time on their backs during the first few months of life, which puts them at higher risk for flattening their head shape.
Does tummy time help with breastfeeding or bottle feeding?
Tummy time can have a huge impact on your feeding journey, whatever form it takes. That golden hour of skin-to-skin is baby’s first tummy time. That positioning helps with openness of the body and movement of oral structures for a deeper latch.
Does babywearing count as tummy time?
Babywearing is a great addition to a tummy time program, but it doesn't replace tummy time entirely. While babywearing, a baby can press into you with their arms and body just like when they are on the floor. Their head can lift, balance, and move around in all directions, just like it can during tummy time.
Can babywearing replace tummy time on the floor?
No. Babywearing does not replace tummy time on the floor; bouts of floor time are still important, but babywearing is a great way to make tummy time easier for everyone.
What features should I look for in a baby carrier that will help with tummy time goals?
Carriers need to appropriately support your baby’s spine, place the hips in the M-shape position, and be comfortable for the caregiver’s body too. Ensure that your baby carrier can be adjusted to safely and securely position your baby, with their head and neck well-supported.
Meet the Authors
Dr. Bonnie Soto
Bonnie is a practicing pediatric physical therapist (x 13 years) and Certified Babywearing Consultant. Bonnie has practiced in early intervention, inpatient (NICU/PICU), and outpatient clinics at community and children's hospitals. Dr Bonnie is passionate about helping babies feel better in their bodies so they are able to achieve all milestones and develop optimal health. Her care focuses on cultivating safety and comfort for the child while empowering the family with knowledge and support. Check out her website Be Well Bebé for more!
Skye Amundsen
Skye Amundsen is the co-founder of hope&plum and a mom of four. She's been obsessed with babywearing since her first baby and built this brand to make it easier, more inclusive, and a lot more fun for everyone who comes after her.
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