I’ve seen several infants in my office recently at their 2 month visit that seem to have weakness in their neck muscles. They are not yet pushing up off a flat surface and have a significant head lag when lifted a short distance off the flat surface. (Meaning their head falls back when lifted by their arms rather than staying in line with their shoulders). While occasionally due to a neurological issue, most of the time this is due to underdeveloped muscles. This is likely related to needing to spend more time on their tummy.

Too much time on the back contributes to flattening of the back of the head. This is called plagiocephaly(one side) or brachycephaly (both sides). This can be related to neck issues and can be something genetic. But definitely too much time on the back can cause the skull to mold into the flat shape as it grows.

Tummy time is really important from the very beginning. It needs to be done while awake. Still lay them on their backs to sleep. Implementing this multiple times per day from the beginning will help your baby to be used to it and to not be as fussy when you are doing it. The process has multiple benefits aside from gross motor development. It also gives your baby a different point of view visually and can assist them with experiencing different textures which helps with sensory development.

Start even while the umbilical cord is still attached. Your baby can lay with you tummy to tummy and you can accomplish some bonding and make great eye contact at the same time. Talk with baby in animated tones and do this for several minutes 3-4 times per day. 

Another way to accomplish some tummy time is on a clean floor with a blanket laid down. Having baby in an outfit so that their skin is in contact with the blanket is a good way to allow them to experience the texture of the blanket. It also helps them to develop their position sense which is knowing where your body is in space. If your room is warm enough, you could even lay them down in their diaper only.

A third way is to use the side lying position with their arms in front of them and a small folded cloth to support their head.

You might also consider using an exercise ball to maximize the experience with your baby!

You can take advantage of all forms of tummy time to bond with baby. Laying in the floor with them might to help keep them happier. Play some soft music for stimulation of their hearing and use visual aids such as this:

Baby Folding Mirror Pendant Toy – The Traveling Pumpkin

Or

Black & White Visual Stimulation Crib Mount – The Traveling Pumpkin

Many babies cry when you do tummy time with them, and it will not harm them, but it may help to do it in shorter stretches more often. Do it when they are more than 30 minutes past their last feeding to prevent spitting up.

Bottom line is that stronger babies have been exposed to more time on their tummies. So let’s make some strong babies!!

Dr. Leslie is a practicing pediatrician in Cookeville, TN for over 23 years.