The Crucial Connection: Tummy Time and Infant Spinal Development
Welcoming a new addition to your family is a momentous occasion, and as parents, you are undoubtedly keen on ensuring every aspect of your baby’s growth and development is nurtured.
One crucial element often overlooked is the significance of tummy time in promoting infant spinal development.
At The Powerhouse Chiropractic in Vancouver, Canada, we understand the importance of this simple yet powerful practice in laying the foundation for a healthy spine.
Why Tummy Time Matters
Tummy time is the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised.
This routine not only aids in the development of motor skills but also plays a pivotal role in strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
The benefits of tummy time include improved head control, increased upper body strength, and the prevention of flat spots on the back of the baby’s head.
As infants spend an increasing amount of time on their backs, whether in cribs or car seats, incorporating tummy time into their daily routine becomes essential.
This activity assists in counteracting the forces that can contribute to postural imbalances and misalignments in the spine.
9 Tummy Time Alternatives
To make tummy time enjoyable and engaging for both you and your baby, we’ve compiled a list of nine alternatives.
These activities not only help with spinal development but also encourage bonding between parents and infants.
Here are the 9 tummy time alternatives
- Football Hold: Cradle your baby face down in your arm, supporting their head with your hand. This position provides a change in perspective and encourages neck strength.
- Baby Resting on Shins: Gently lay your baby on their stomach across your shins, providing a slight incline. This position engages their core muscles and promotes head lifting.
- Carrying Upright: Hold your baby upright against your chest while supporting their head. This not only facilitates tummy time but also fosters a sense of security.
- Using a Swiss Ball: Place your baby on a swiss ball with their tummy down. Gently roll the ball to create a rocking motion, promoting balance and coordination.
- Laying on the Side with Toys: Lay your baby on their side and place toys slightly out of reach. This encourages them to lift their head and engage with the environment.
- Tummy to Tummy: Place your baby on your chest, allowing skin-to-skin contact. This position fosters a strong emotional connection while promoting head control. This can be started early as soon as the umbilical cord falls off.
- Lap Time: Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out and lay your baby on your thighs. This provides a comfortable and supported surface for tummy time.
- Laying Near the Edge of Furniture: Lay your baby on their stomach near the edge of a safe and secure piece of furniture. This encourages them to lift their head and interact with their surroundings.
- Towel Assisted: Place a rolled-up towel under your baby’s chest to create a gentle incline. This modification can make tummy time more comfortable for some infants.
Encouraging a Healthy Spine
At The Powerhouse Chiropractic, we believe in proactively addressing spinal health from an early age.
As your baby continues to grow and explore, it’s crucial to monitor their spinal development.
We offer Bio-Structural testing to evaluate your child’s spine and ensure that any potential issues are identified and addressed early on.
Incorporating tummy time into your baby’s daily routine is a small investment with significant returns.
It not only aids in spinal development but also lays the foundation for a healthy and well-aligned spine.
As parents, you play a vital role in nurturing your baby’s growth, and we invite you to bring your little ones to The Powerhouse Chiropractic for Bio-Structural testing to ensure their spinal health is on the right track.
Together, let’s build a strong foundation for a lifetime of well-being.
