It’s no secret that tummy time is important for your child’s development. By spending time in a prone (belly down) position, your baby is working to strengthen the muscles in his or her upper body, including the arms, neck, and chest as he or she attempts to push themselves up off the ground to engage with their environment. Tummy time promotes the development of proper spinal curvatures and helps to prevent plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). The strengthening of the proximal musculature is a precursor for head control and trunk stability. Additionally, weight shifting to reach toward preferred objects is a precursor for rolling and crawling.
Although tummy time is important, it is also often a non-preferred position. While there are positioning modifications that can support improved tolerance for tummy time, we also recommend the use of highly motivating and engaging toys to encourage tummy time or equipment that offers opportunities for sensory input. Some of our favorite tummy time toys include:
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Offers visual, tactile and proprioceptive (movement) sensory input
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Offers visual sensory input
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Offers visual and tactile sensory input
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Offers visual and tactile sensory input
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Offers visual, auditory and tactile sensory input and encourages targeted reaching
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Encourages targeted reaching, grasp and release with an interactive cause-and-effect relationship
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Offers auditory sensory input with an interactive cause-and-effect relationship
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Offers visual and tactile sensory input and encourages targeted reaching with increased support for the development of grasp (plus the ball won’t roll away making it a hands-free option for mom or dad)
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Offers visual and tactile sensory input with advanced dexterous skill to activate cause-and-effect pop-up
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Offers visual sensory input with high-contrast colors
Samantha Cooper is a pediatric occupational therapist at NAPA Center-Los Angeles. When not engaging her clients through play, Samantha can be found balancing her love for ice cream with spin or barre classes or trying to cuddle her dog, Cassidy, who would much rather have her personal space.
At NAPA Center, we take an individualized approach to pediatric therapy because we understand that each child is unique with very specific needs. We embrace differences with an understanding that individualized programs work better. For this reason, no two therapeutic programs are alike. If your child needs our services, we will work closely with you to select the best therapies for them, creating a customized program specific to your child’s needs and your family’s goals. Let your child’s journey begin today by contacting us to learn more.
