I had the pleasure of hanging out with my friend and her 3 1/2 month old (2 1/2 months corrected) the other day and I just can’t resist the opportunity to check out motor skills. When playing with her son, he is at that stage where his extensors are starting to kick in for short periods. When I give him just a little extra support at his shoulder girdle he is able to lift his head just a little higher and just a little longer. So many times I hear that kids don’t like tummy time, and that can be the case, but when you get down at their level (similar to the picture), it offers a great opportunity for them to engage with you and for you to entertain them! My favorite part of the day was when her husband came home from work and as we were heading out the door for a girls dinner, he asked ‘has he had enough tummy time today?’ And according to my friend, that wasn’t just for my benefit!
Here are some of our past posts on tummy time to give you some inspiration!
Tummy Time: Whats the big deal?
Tummy Time: The cornerstone of movement
Tummy Time: Its a ball! (video link included)
Tummy Time with Lamaze Spin and Explore
Starfish Therapies 
Hi,
My DD was born premature with severe hypotonia that affects her respiratory. She is now 4.5 months (3 months corrected) and is starting to move her arms and legs a little, as well as her head. However, because she’s trached we never do tummy time. I feel like she is missing out but at the same time would like to do tummy time for her so she can benefit on working her muscles. Would you recommend a tummy time for hypotonic kids with trach? If so, would I need to put her on the pillow or give her any other support?
Thanks in advance.
Comment by Nelly — August 2, 2014 @ 1:33 am |
I would try short periods of time and possibly on an incline. You can try on the pillow, it may make it a little easier. Do you have early intervention in your area? Or does your hospital have PT available to give you suggestions of how to best do this?
Comment by Starfish Therapies — August 8, 2014 @ 11:22 pm |