It's tummy time!
Put the baby in the car seat and run errands. Put the baby in the bouncy seat and check e-mail. Put the baby in the swing and make dinner. Sound familiar?
All of this equipment is great, but many babies spend too much time on their backs in these “containers” and not enough awake time on their stomachs or being held. Tummy time takes pressure off the back of a baby’s head and helps him or her develop eye-hand coordination and muscles that are important for normal development.
As a physical therapy assistant, I’m seeing more and more babies with torticollis, which generally happens when a baby’s neck muscle is tight or shortened. It’s often caused by the way a baby is positioned in the uterus, or because he or she is spending too much time in containers.
Signs of torticollis include:
- Areas of the baby’s head or face appear flattened or unequal.
- The baby turns his or her head in one direction more than the other.
Babies with torticollis also may be at risk for vision problems and developmental delays.
By the time babies are 3 months old, they should spend an hour of awake time on their stomachs every day. This strengthens their neck and back muscles and prepares them for crawling. It also helps them get ready to push up, roll over, sit up and eventually stand.
Parents are an important part of tummy time. You can make it more fun by talking, playing and singing to your baby. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, don’t leave him or her unattended. Remember: Back to sleep, tummy to play.
These tips will help avoid torticollis:
- Tummy time is important, from the first day of life. Babies should spend 15 minutes, at least four times each day, on their tummies.
- Limit infant equipment, like car seats, swings and bouncy seats.
- Vary your baby’s position frequently.
If you have questions about torticollis, talk with your pediatrician.
Physical therapy services for children, age 2 and younger, who have been diagnosed with torticollis now are available at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Clinics-New Berlin. To make an appointment, call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280 or request an appointment online.
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