In recent years parents have been told the importance of putting babies on their backs to sleep.

We now know that this is the safest position for babies to sleep in, as it significantly reduces the risk of cot death or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

However, research has shown that continually putting babies on their backs can delay the development of motor skills, essential for movement and co-ordination.  Plus, there has also been an increase in cranial asymmetry, or ‘flat head’ syndrome.  Babies’ skulls are still quite soft, and lying in the same position on their backs all the time can put pressure on the skull, causing a flattening effect.

So experts are now urging parents to give their babies ‘tummy time’ – special time set aside every day to lie on their stomachs – which can help them learn to push themselves up, roll over and eventually sit, crawl and stand.
What are the benefits of tummy time?

It strengthens their backs, arms and necks, and helps with coordination, posture and balance. Not only that, it also increases their confidence and independence.
If babies have the chance to kick and flail and to practise supporting themselves on their arms, it helps increase their motor skills.
Tummy time gives babies more opportunity to reach for and explore things around them.
Regular tummy time also helps prevent any flattening of the head, which can be caused by constantly positioning babies on their backs.

How do you do it?

Make sure your baby is awake and alert and never leave them unattended during tummy time.
Simply lie your baby on a flat, comfortable surface, face down. This can be on the floor or on a bed, but do make sure you are with them all the time.
Your baby may prefer having their arms out in front of them or out to the side so they can move them around and eventually use them to support their own weight.
You could try lying on the floor with your baby, encouraging them to lift their head and look around. Talk to and play with them, and give them plenty to look at. Try showing them a board book or putting a favourite toy just within reach.
Another tip is to place your baby face down on your stomach. That way, they can feel close to you and won’t feel bored or abandoned. This is a particularly good way to introduce tummy time to newborns.
You could also try putting them on a bed, with their head near the edge, and sit in front of them on the floor with your face close to theirs.
Try varying the way you carry your baby. Lay them face down on your forearms instead of on their back in the usual ‘cradle hold’. Some mums find that their babies actually prefer this position, as it allows them a better view of the world.
Have a go at propping your baby up on a soft pillow or blanket with their arms in front of them, while they are learning to push themselves up.

How often should you do it?

Experts suggest that parents introduce tummy time from birth. They need about 30 minutes a day, either all in one go or broken up into periods of a few minutes or so.
You could try gradually building it up, as your baby gets used to the experience of lying on their tummy.
Once baby becomes familiar with being on their front, they will enjoy the sense of independence it gives them.

What if your baby seems unhappy on their tummy?

Your baby may seem reluctant at first. Tummy time may feel unfamiliar, and before they have enough head control the effort of trying to lift the head can be hard work.
Choose a moment when your baby is happy and contented and try to make tummy time fun. It is probably best not to do it straight after a feed though, as this could be uncomfortable. A good time is when they have just woken up or after a nappy change.
It helps if you provide plenty of entertainment by smiling, chatting and making sure they can see you and feel connected to what is going on around them. Distract them with colourful toys and books.
Try taking off your baby’s socks if they are on the floor so they can grip with their toes, helping them prepare for crawling and walking.
If your baby seems really unhappy on their tummy, stop and try again later, so they don’t learn to link tummy time with feeling miserable!