Most babies now sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This back-sleeping, coupled with more time in car seats and strollers, means that many babies aren’t able to develop their neck and back muscles well, thus contributing to an increase in early motor delays in the past six years. These new findings are important for both caregivers and families.

Child Development Associates (CDAs) who give babies more time on their stomachs will help the infants to develop upper body strength and reach monthly milestones. A few examples of typical physical development include: 3-month-olds can push up on arms as well as lift and hold head up; 6-month-olds can roll over from back to tummy; and most 9-month-olds are able to creep on hands and knees with alternate arm and leg movements.

Some babies don’t like being placed on their tummies at first. They might not be used to it and their muscles may be so underdeveloped that they feel helpless in that position. It is important to keep it interesting and fun for them, doing it a little bit at a time until they start to like it.

Here are some tips for caregivers and families from Zero to Three:

• Lie on your back and place your baby on your chest. Once she gets used to this, try moving her to a blanket on the floor.
• Place a rolled towel under your baby's arms or shoulders to make it easier for her to lift and turn her head.
• Place new or interesting toys, like a baby-safe mirror, in front of your baby to look at or reach for.
• Open a favorite book and place it in front of your baby. Lie next to her, and try reading together while on your tummies.
• Lie baby on his belly and darken the room a bit. Shine a flashlight on the wall across from your baby. He will be fascinated watching the light as you move the beam slowly across and up and down the wall.
• Lie on your tummy in front of your baby so that she looks up and sees you. Your baby loves to look at faces — especially yours!

The following brochure, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is an excellent resource to print and distribute to families and caregivers: “Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play”

Full results from the study (sponsored by the nonprofit Pathways Awareness) are here.

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