Short answer - yes! There is no shortage of articles, blogs, and research studies out there about the benefits of tummy time and how it helps prevent a flat head (plagiocephaly). In fact, I even have blog articles about preventing plagiocephaly and how to have a successful tummy time. But, there’s another side to tummy time that isn’t talked about as much - and that’s the long game.
The Big Picture
In simple terms, tummy time helps lay the groundwork for crawling, standing, and walking by establishing the needed shoulder, back, and booty muscles. That also means that a lack of tummy time can eventually result in a lack of muscle strength and endurance. And I’ve been seeing this play out in my clinical practice alot lately.I have patients who were delayed in crawling on their hands and knees - turns out, they struggled with tummy time. I see children that seem clumsy in standing and always falling forward - they also struggled with tummy time. Other patients frequently trip and fall forward when walking - they too struggled with tummy time.
Now, that doesn’t mean that every baby who has a hard time with tummy time will have gross motor difficulties. Nor does it mean that all gross motor struggles are caused by difficulties with tummy time. But, from my clinical perspective, the link between successful tummy time and gross motor development is too strong to ignore.
Be Proactive For The Future
Now, I know tummy time can be hard. And I would never advocate for forcing tummy time at all costs! The goal is for tummy time to be a happy, tear-free experience. Which is why I want to encourage you to be proactive and ask for help if tummy time IS a struggle for you and your child. Reach out to me, or another pediatric physical or occupational therapist in your area. We can help your child be successful in tummy time, and in their future development!
