Questions about an infant’s neck tend to pop up every so often with new parents. You’ve probably heard about “tummy time” – letting babies lie on their stomachs when they are awake so that they can train key neck and throat muscles.
In some parts of the world, the mantra is “back to sleep, tummy to play.” And it’s enough, actually, for babies to spend just a few brief sessions on their stomachs each day.
“A baby is born with some degree of muscle tone and tries to hold up their heavy head as soon as they’re lying on Mom’s belly immediately after being born,” says pediatric physical therapist Camilla von Lörinszky from Swedish private clinic Barnsjukgymnasten.
A newborn tries to hold up their head immediately after birth
Babies like to study their surroundings, so mobiles with distinctive patterns are fun to look at. But faces are by far the most interesting.
Tummy time on the floor or a tummy time mat is also a form of play for babies, boosting their physical development. So make a habit of letting your baby lie on their stomach – when awake – a few times a day while you remain close by.
Tummy time workout for baby’s neck
“When a baby is awake, infant tummy time is good for the baby. That way, their neck muscles get trained automatically and motor skills can develop,” says von Lörinszky.
She’s careful to point out that as a parent you should not exercise your baby in the traditional sense, but you can play with your baby in a way that strengthens their muscles. And tummy time is an excellent opportunity to do this.
Babies also develop their neck muscles when you carry them in a baby carrier, since they will want to peek up at Mom or Dad’s face every now and then.
Tummy time – the basics
Why tummy time?
By letting babies lie on their stomachs when they are awake they can train key neck and throat muscles. Tummy time on the floor or a tummy time mat is also a form of play for babies
When to start?
Amazingly, from day 1. A baby is born with some degree of muscle tone and tries to hold up their heavy head as soon as they’re lying on Mom’s belly immediately after being born.
How often?
It’s enough, actually, for babies to spend just a few brief sessions on their stomachs each day.
Tips how to
Distinctive patterns are fun to look at but faces are by far the most interesting. And why not in a baby carrier where your baby can peek up at Mom or Dad’s face every now and then.
