Tummy Time Research

A new study published in 2023 found that low tummy time preference at two months is associated with low-duration tummy time. Parents should be encouraged to continue working on tummy time, even with a baby with poor tolerance. As tummy time preference increases, so does tummy time duration. At two months, more than 30 minutes of tummy time is correlated with more advanced gross motor skills than babies who get less than 15 minutes of tummy time.  At 4 and 6 months, an increase in tummy time duration has a linear effect—the more tummy time, the better the gross motor skills.  Communication, personal-social, problem-solving, and fine motor skills also improve with increasing optimal tummy time durations.

Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. 

Increased tummy time tolerance and increased bouts of tummy time facilitate overall better infant development. So, parents, keep up the good work and continue with tummy time until at least six months of age. Your commitment is key to your baby's development.

The tumtum wedge is a game-changer for tummy time toleration. It's designed to help babies with poor tummy time preferences increase their tolerance and durations. With the tumtum, babies can tolerate tummy time with more ease and for more extended periods.  Professionals, you have the power to make a difference. Recommend the tumtum for support of all new babies and discuss the importance of increasing tummy time preference and duration up to 6 months of age.

~Dr. Mirav Newman, PT DPT

References:

1.Zhang Z, Predy M, Hesketh KD, Pritchard L, Carson V. Characteristics of tummy time and dose-response relationships with development in infants. Eur J Pediatr. 2023;182(1):113-121. doi:10.1007/s00431-022-04647-w