Is it ok to put baby on tummy after feeding
Tummy time for your baby
Many health professionals will mention tummy time when asking about your baby’s development. Tummy time involves placing your baby on their stomach when they are awake. This is very important to help strengthen your baby’s muscles and protect the shape of their head.
It is normal for young babies to be unhappy on their tummy as their heads are heavy and tummy time is hard for them. Even though babies may feel uncomfortable initially, it is important to keep trying.
Why does my baby need to do tummy time?Placing your baby on their tummy helps them in a number of ways, including:
- developing head control (strengthens the muscles of their neck)
- strengthening the muscles used to move their bodies so they can learn to roll, sit and crawl. This includes the muscles of their shoulders and back
- helping to protect their head shape so they don’t develop a misshapen head (called Plagiocephaly)
Tummy time can be safely started from birth. It has been found that babies who start regular tummy time early like this position more and can manage it for longer periods of time.
Try to do tummy time regularly throughout the day and make it a part of your baby’s regular activity. Start with short periods of tummy time (one to two minutes) and slowly increase the time as your baby becomes stronger (aiming for 10 to 15 minutes at least three times a day, by around four months of age). Babies with big heads or those who were born early often find tummy time more difficult and may need more time to improve at it.
How can I do tummy time with my baby?There are a number of different ways to do tummy time with your baby. Do not leave your baby alone or unsupervised during any tummy time positions.
These positions may be helpful if your baby does not like being directly on their tummy or has colic or reflux.
Please see our Kids Health Info fact sheets on
Reflux (GOR) and GORD and
Crying and unsettled babies - colic for more information.
| Chest to chest, in a chair | Over your lap, adult seated on a chair or on the floor |
| Chest to chest, on the floor | Baby over your Arm |
| Over a rolled towel – placed under baby’s chest, arms forward | On the play mat, lots of play |
| Over a gym ball | |
Please note: remember to put your baby on their back for sleep safety - never sleep your baby on their tummy or side.
- Supervised tummy time is best when your baby is awake, not too tired and not too soon after a feed (which may cause vomiting or discomfort)
- In the beginning, your baby may not enjoy tummy time very much and may only tolerate a minute or two. Don’t give up – it will get better with daily practice. If your baby is crying when placed on their tummy, try to distract them with play. Examples of play include getting down on the floor with your baby, using toys such as rattles and mirrors, and singing and talking to them
- You could also try a different position to see if they find this any easier. Different positions for tummy time are shown above
- Your baby will find tummy time easier if they can take their weight through their elbows.
You may need to help them with this or support them there. Try to use a play mat that isn’t too silky, soft or slippery and a surface that isn’t too soft - Newborn babies can move their heads by themselves but not control their position. You may need to help them position their head in the middle
- To help your baby lift their head, gently press down on their bottom. This gives them something solid to push off. For adults, this is similar to when someone holds your feet when you are doing a sit up
Remember that it is normal for your baby to find tummy time difficult to begin with. If you remain concerned or are worried about any of the following, please seek medical advice from your GP, Maternal and Child Health nurse, paediatrician or a paediatric physiotherapist:
- Your baby isn’t improving at tummy time after six to eight weeks of age
- Your baby feels very stiff or very floppy
- If your baby is six weeks old and not making eye contact or focussing on toys
- If your baby is developing a misshapen head or a strong preference to have their head on one side
- If your baby is not moving both sides of their body the same
- Tummy time helps to strengthen a baby’s neck, shoulder and back muscles
- Tummy time helps to protect your baby’s head shape
- You must always supervise your baby when they are on their tummy and during any tummy time positions
- It is recommended you start tummy time from birth and do it regularly
- It is normal for babies to find tummy time difficult to begin with.
Use a variety of positions and tips listed to help them enjoy it more and get better at it - Babies with big heads or those who were born early often find tummy time more difficult and may need more time to improve at it
- You must always sleep your baby on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Kids Health Info fact sheet: Plagiocephaly - misshapen head
- Kids Health Info fact sheet: Reflux (GOR) and GORD
- Kids Health Info fact sheet: Crying and unsettled babies - colic
- Baby’s Head Control fact sheet: Physiotherapy Department handout
- Raising Children Network - Tummy time for babies: in pictures
- Red Nose safe sleeping
Common questions our doctors are asked
At what age is it no longer necessary to put my baby on their tummy?
We recommend you continue with tummy time until your baby starts to crawl or can get onto and off their tummy themselves.
Once your baby is doing this, they will be doing their own tummy time. Remember, it is safe to start tummy time from birth.
If my baby has reflux/vomits a lot, should I put them on their tummy?
If your baby has reflux, you can and should continue with tummy time. Try the positions where your baby is more upright such as on your chest, over your legs or on a gym ball. Remember to leave 20 to 30 minutes after a feed before placing your baby on their tummy to reduce vomiting and discomfort.
What do I do if my baby dislikes tummy time?
It is very normal for young babies to be unhappy on their tummy as their heads are heavy and tummy time is hard for them.
Babies need to be motivated when on their tummy and can be motivated through play. Examples of play include getting down on the floor with your baby, using toys such as rattles and mirrors and singing and talking to them.
Use some of the tips listed on this page to make tummy time more enjoyable and a little easier for them. The more upright your baby is when they are on their tummy, the easier it will be for them. Remember, every little bit helps and your baby should slowly improve and start to enjoy being on their tummy. If they continue to have difficulties, please talk to your GP, Maternal and Child Health nurse, paediatrician or a paediatric physiotherapist
What do I do if my baby is developing a flat head or unusual head shape?
Baby’s heads are very soft and, if they are in one position more than others, they can develop a flat spot.
This is called Plagiocephaly. Please read our
Kids Health Info fact sheet on Plagiocephaly – misshapen head if you are concerned about this.
Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Physiotherapy Department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Developed December 2020
Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit
www.
rchfoundation.org.au.
Why Tummy Time Is so Important for Babies
Development,Parenting,Most Recent
February 05, 2020
So you just left the hospital overwhelmed with new information on how to best care for your new baby. As you get accustomed to your child’s immediate needs — meals, changing diapers, learning to safely strap them into their car seat — it is easy to forget the importance of early initiation of tummy time.
As pediatric physical therapists, some of the most common questions we receive from parents are “When should we start tummy time?” and “How much time should my child spend on their tummy?” We also hear “My child hates tummy time. What should I do?” If you also have felt this way, you are not alone.
What Is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is a term used to describe the action of placing your baby on their stomach when they are awake and being supervised.
Your infant should never participate in tummy time when they are asleep or unsupervised. Infants should sleep positioned on their backs to prevent what is known as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Remember this helpful phrase: “Back to sleep, tummy to play.”
Why Is It Important?
Tummy time is essential for developing neck muscle strength and control, as well as stability within the shoulder girdles. Positioning your child on their stomach allows them to gain the strength and coordination they need for future motor skills like rolling, sitting, crawling and walking.
Delayed onset of developmental milestones has been associated with a lack of tummy time. It fosters visual-motor development, cognitive functioning and oral-motor skills important for feeding and speech development. Tummy time is the most important method to prevent conditions frequently seen with children who spend sustained periods of time on their back such as torticollis and abnormal skull/facial shaping (plagiocephaly and hemihypoplasia).
It also allows for appropriate jaw development.
When Should I Start?
You can start tummy time when your child is as young as one week old. The best way to initiate this is by laying your child on your chest when you are in a reclined position. This allows them to adjust to tummy time in an environment where they feel safe. As they do so, you can recline further until you are lying on your back and they are on their stomach. As soon as possible, transition to tummy time positioned on a firm surface, such as a mat on the floor.
How Much Time on Their Tummy?
The first tummy time sessions can last for only a few minutes, depending on your child’s tolerance. Work up to 80 cumulative minutes a day by the time they are three months old. The more, the better!
What if They Hate It?
Begin slowly and be persistent, even if they don’t appear to enjoy it. Start with what they are able to tolerate and gradually add more time.
Provide them with reassurance and encouragement. Be aware of the difference between your baby crying because they are angry and crying because they’re distressed. Babies learn early that crying gets them picked up. Consider allowing them to cry for 30 seconds before doing so if it’s an angry cry.
Throughout tummy time, monitor for pain or distress symptoms (abnormal breathing, a change in facial color) and terminate immediately if you notice this behavior. Allow them time to be soothed and reassured prior to resuming.
You may make tummy time easier by doing it with your baby on your chest or positioned over your lap. Visual work helps! Provide a toy for them to interact with. Toys are best positioned within arm’s reach and near their waist. Once they adjust to tummy time while on your chest or lap, you may progress to positioning them on a blanket on the floor. You also can roll up a blanket and place under their chest to provide additional support.
What if They Have Reflux?
Many infants who experience reflux (frequently spitting up after feeding) have a poor tolerance of tummy time.
To improve their comfort level, we recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after their feeding to position them on their tummy. It is helpful to gradually transition them to their stomach by allowing them to play while positioned on their back. After a few minutes, gradually roll them to their side (preferably the left). Allow them to play in that position for a few minutes before helping them roll to play while on their stomach.
Be encouraged that despite any chaos you may feel as an early parent, you are doing a great job! As therapists, we repeatedly observe that once a child adjusts to tummy-time positioning, it becomes their preferred position for play.
Be brave and be focused. You can do it!
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Laying out on the stomach - why is it so important for the baby
The baby
Head of the Center for Psychodiagnostics and Psychocorrection at the UPS
Do you know how to properly put a newborn baby to sleep? That's right, back.
It is this simple rule that prevents sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This became known back in the mid-90s, which made it possible to reduce the number of infant deaths worldwide by more than 50%.
B 19In the 1980s, in Western European countries, the death rate from SIDS was about 2 per 1000 newborns. After the "sleeping on the back" campaign, by the end of the century, it had fallen to about 0.5 per 1,000 and remains around that mark. SIDS includes any cases of unexplained death of infants from respiratory arrest, which makes some doctors and researchers critical of the allocation of SIDS to a separate disease. Experts believe that SIDS can have various causes (for example, low birth weight, premature birth, or maternal smoking), but the position of the baby's body during sleep is still called the main risk factor. At the same time, sleeping on the stomach is considered the most dangerous position. You can read more about how to protect your baby from such a syndrome here.
However, this measure also led to an unexpected effect: mothers began to be afraid to lay their children on their tummy not only during sleep, but also during wakefulness. As a result, the development of children's motor functions slowed down: in order to crawl on all fours, the child needs to use both his arms and legs, the muscles of which must be sufficiently trained. If the baby constantly lies on his back in the crib, he is unlikely to be able to master the necessary skills. When lying on their back, children do not have enough anti-gravity load on the extensor muscles, which can lead to a delay in the development of the child's psychomotor functions: the ability to crawl, sit down and roll over from the stomach to the back.
I don't want to, I won't!
Some children become indignant when laid on the tummy. And no wonder: for a baby who constantly lies on his back, the position on his stomach is unusual, unpleasant - the child hardly raises his head, cannot turn around, feeling discomfort.
The baby starts crying, calling for mom's help. Do not give in to provocations! You do not need to bring the baby to sobs, but try to lay out the crumbs every day for 5-10 minutes, gradually increasing the time to half an hour. Always stay close to your baby. If he starts acting up, you can entertain him, and he will lie on his stomach longer. At the same time, please note that the child’s hips should be divorced, and the hands should rest on the forearms.
In the first 2-3 months of life, the baby tries to balance himself and therefore tilts his head in the direction opposite to the position of the body. In other words, lying on the tummy, the baby will begin to raise his head, which contributes to the correct and timely development of the cervical spine. He will keep his head upright for longer, then he will begin to rise on his handles, roll over, and by six months he will get on all fours and make his first attempts to crawl. Daily training will improve coordination of movements, help strengthen the shoulder girdle, muscles of the arms, spine, which in turn will positively affect not only the physical, but also the intellectual development of the baby.
In addition, laying on the stomach will perfectly strengthen the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, will prevent umbilical hernia, and if done before eating, it will help to significantly reduce colic.
Important!
Never leave a baby lying on his stomach alone in a room. Do not put pillows, soft toys, blankets next to the crumbs, in which the child can bury his face.
Let's get started
Lay your baby on his stomach as often as possible: before feeding (do not stand after eating - the baby can burp and choke profusely), during massage, gymnastics, swaddling. Before procedures, ventilate the room and remove all unnecessary. The surface of the bed should be flat and firm - for example, a table covered with a thin blanket. The hard surface encourages the child to strain the muscles of the body, which, by the way, does not happen when lying on a pillow or a soft mattress.
To keep your little one from getting bored, place a toy with a mirror in front of him – kids love looking at their own reflection.
Or put a bright musical rattle nearby, which will occupy the baby's attention for a long time.
Sometimes lying on the stomach irritates the baby because the child cannot watch the mother. Communicate more with the little one. Alternatively, you can put the baby on your chest so that the baby can look around without raising his head too high.
During this period, you can also practice the “reflex crawling” exercise, which strengthens the muscles of the legs and lower back: in the position on the tummy, spread the baby's knees to the sides, and connect the feet. Then grab the baby's shins with your palms and touch the soles with your thumbs. The child, in response to your actions, will straighten his legs and, pushing off, will move forward. Your hands must be fixed on the table, otherwise the baby will not move forward. The exercise can be repeated 5-7 times.
Some mothers prefer to put their baby on their stomach during sleep, but this increases the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and besides, during sleep, the baby does not try to rise or raise his head and, accordingly, does not exercise muscles.
The smart choice
According to a study by Canadian scientists, children who sleep on their stomachs and spend most of their wakefulness in this position develop somewhat faster than peers who sleep on their side or back. Such children begin to hold their heads earlier, sit down, crawl, walk. But in 1-1.5 years, the development of both of them levels off. It’s not worth the risk of leaving the baby in the prone position at night, just try to do a little gymnastics more often.
Kristina Sandalova
Why is tummy time so important for your newborn baby?
HomeHealthWhy is tummy time so important for your newborn baby?
When a newborn baby lies on its back, it is natural and habitual for parents. When it comes to accustoming a child to the stomach, mothers have reasonable fears - the baby still does not hold his head and has poor control over his body, it seems to his mother that he will be uncomfortable on his stomach.
But these are useless fears - pediatricians say that laying a child on his stomach is useful and important: in this position, the child develops motor skills better and learns to hold his head faster.
At the advertiser's address, in Health · 08 Apr. 2022, 01:00 · 0 Comments
For a long time it was believed that you should not put the baby on the stomach until the umbilical wound closes. Modern pediatrics has revised its approach to child development. Neonatologists advise parents to start laying their baby on their stomach from the first day of life. Most babies tolerate this position very well, and it does not harm the navel.
Some children do not like to lie in this position, then parents have to teach their babies.
This must be done because the position on the tummy is very beneficial for the newborn. You will have to overcome the child's anxiety, his mood and even tears, and in no case should you retreat. Help your baby grow strong, mobile and healthy.
Why should I put my baby on my stomach?
A month old baby who is used to lying on his tummy, the world around him seems wider and more interesting. Exercise also has a positive effect on the physical condition of the child. Let's mark all the useful points:
-
Lying on his stomach, the child trains the muscles of the neck in order to quickly and easily learn to hold his head. Other muscles of the body are also tensed, the shoulder girdle, arms and abs are strengthened. Getting used to leaning on his hands, the newborn is preparing to crawl
-
When the baby lies on his stomach, he increases the angle of view, sees his hands, notices toys and develops a grasping reflex.
At the same time, the mental abilities of the child are stimulated -
The cranial bones of the moon child are soft and may flatten from prolonged lying on the back. To prevent the baby's head from looking flat, lay it on the stomach more often.
-
Strengthening the neck muscles helps to avoid torticollis in the newborn. Having laid the child on his stomach, approach him from different sides so that he tries to return to you.
-
Being on the stomach, the child massages the stomach and trains the abdominal muscles, thereby improving metabolism. Gas is expelled more easily and the risk of colic is reduced. The formation of an umbilical hernia is prevented.
Rules for performing exercises for children
You cannot just take and turn the baby on his stomach, several conditions must be observed.
Since the position is new for a vulnerable baby, mommy must do everything correctly and accurately. Follow the following rules:
-
Place the child on a firm and level surface. Use a regular or changing table for this. You can cover the floor with a sheet or blanket and put the child on it, as long as there are no drafts and the floor is warm. A rigid support will help the child develop motor skills
-
Do not give him or her any food before putting the baby on his stomach. This position can cause regurgitation, and after feeding, babies want to sleep rather than exercise. For example, you know that after 30 minutes it is time for your baby to eat infant formula, then this period is the optimal time to put him on his tummy.
-
Be sure to be close to the newborn. Do not let the baby bury his nose in a blanket or pillow, remove them.
Watch his position, do not leave him unattended even for a minute - this is especially important at the age of 2-3 months, when the child actively rolls over -
Pediatricians recommend putting the baby naked on the tummy. Check how many degrees in the room where your baby is, so as not to catch a cold
Since the pose involves muscle training, never lay the baby out after meals or before bed. Exercise is performed only when the child is awake.
How to teach a child to lie on his tummy?
If your little one does not like to lie on his tummy, is naughty and resists, try to teach him to do this. Remember that this position is necessary for the child to develop properly. Be patient, act consistently, with an understanding of what you want to achieve. Try doing it like this:
-
Lay the baby out for a very short time, no more than 10 seconds.
The main thing is that during this time the mood of the baby does not deteriorate, and he feels comfortable. -
Do the first exercises on the stomach: this is familiar to the baby, and this position will not make him feel insecure.
-
Gradually increase the time of lying on your stomach, but be sure to watch for when the baby starts to worry and let you know that he is tired of lying like that.
-
Turn exercise into a daily, obligatory ritual. Do it at a certain time so that the baby is ready for it.
-
Complement lying on your stomach with pleasant treatments: massage and stroking. The attention of the baby will switch, and he will happily accept the new position.
-
Manage the habituation process without coercion.
Do not insist if the baby is naughty - just try every day and little by little, perhaps he will like it soon. -
Choose the right time to practice. A lethargic, hungry or sleepy baby is unlikely to be happy to do what bothers him.
-
To reduce discomfort, engage the child's attention with auditory and visual stimuli. Bright toys and squeakers are suitable for this.
-
Change the texture and color of the surface the baby will sit on. Little tricks will help distract the child and improve his tactile skills.
Little by little your baby will like to lie on his tummy. If mom and dad make an effort, then very soon the baby will delight them with their successes.
The "lying on the tummy" position brings maximum benefits
If all your efforts do not lead to positive results, the baby continues to resist and does not want to lie on the tummy, offer him other options.
Regular activities with your child will lead you to success - especially since at a certain age, children themselves begin to like not only to lie down, but also to sleep on their stomachs. The once unloved position turns into the most convenient and comfortable.
In the first days and weeks after birth, the baby moves very little. The main postures are lying on your back or on your side, with your legs tucked up to your stomach. Young mothers are very afraid of injuring the child. To prevent this from happening, it is important to follow the recommendations of doctors.
Pediatricians recommend that parents do "tummy games" 2-3 times a day for 3-5 minutes each time. In early childhood, lying on the tummy can last only a few minutes until the child gets tired.
When the child shows interest in tummy time, increase the time and frequency of exercise. After 3-4 months, try lying on your tummy for about 20 minutes a day.
If your baby is happy and alert, let him stay on his tummy for as long as he likes - 40 to 60 minutes a day.
Being on your tummy is a very important activity, try to make the most of this time. Make these moments fun and bright for your newborn, try to make him feel comfortable, distract and entertain him. The more your baby will lie on his tummy, the faster he will learn to control his body and begin to surprise with new successes.
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed on this page are those of the author and not of The Portugal News.
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