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NOT just IF------but WHY------TUMMY TIME???
“ ………but he cries if I put him on his tummy !” (….and so I don’t!)
Seems to make sense, doesn’t it, when his head feels like a bowling ball—too heavy—(shades of your excruciating Pilates exercises….)?
Luckily, like our repeated exercises, the benefits of tummy time are well worth the time and persistence! How does being able to stay seated in class, when he is in 1 grade sound as one of the worthwhile results of tummy-time? Or being able to hold her neck steady so her eyes can keep moving steadily between right and left for reading and writing? Or having the best posture at 4 and 5 years old to not only hold scissors and pencil, but to be a child who relishes and enjoys the success of it all!
Tummy time can be made fun---the earlier you start, the more easily the head holding comes! Sometimes, it can be on your lap, with neck holding up as you slowly bounce or rock ;or how about a little pillow under her trunk, so elbows can prop her up while playing with toys on a floor blanket? As kiddos get older, play games, read books---ALL of you on your bellies. The neck holding will get longer. “Posture power” will grow!
There can never be too much tummy time! The longer, the better; the stronger the results. Start with day 1---or today, whichever day today is! Know that building a strong neck leads to a strong tummy and back, and then to the hips for good sitting and crawling and climbing and stability for eyes and hands to coordinate together. Potty training will flow from there (no pun intended)!!
Think of a pyramid of blocks—how important are the lower blocks to the top ones? For your child, tummy time will bring that strong foundation!
Sandy Wainman, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist, and as director of LifeSkills, has seen the power of tummy time for two decades! LifeSkills focuses on learning readiness and behavioral improvement---so for summer and year-round ways to help you and your child—call 407-629-9455, email at sensory1@earthlink.net or visit our website at www.lifeskillscenter.com.
