The Importance of Tummy Time- Make it fun!

Written By Danielle Bararuk

Written by Danielle Barauk | Oct 10, 2019

Tummy time is developmentally important for the neck, back, pelvic and shoulder girdle muscles to develop.  Tummy time will also help prevent positional plagiocephaly, where the baby’s head develops flat spots. Tummy time encourages and allows children to see the world in a different way than from on their back.  As the child begins to explore their surroundings, they will independently recruit the muscles of their neck to lift their head. As they gain head control on their stomach, they will begin to want to reach for objects in front of them and use their upper extremities to push up.  This will develop trunk and shoulder stability as well as hand strength that will be used for gross and fine motor skills down the road. 

It is important right from the beginning to make tummy time enjoyable and prevent any adverse experiences. Your child is working against gravity to lift and hold their head in an upright position during tummy time. Because babies initially do not have head strength or upper body strength to move themselves out of this position, if they feel left alone or scared that you are gone, they may cry and develop a negative relationship with tummy time.  Starting right from day one, make this time a time to bond with your child, and be with them.  Begin by incorporating a few minutes of tummy time, several times a day and gradually build up the length as they develop more strength and comfort in this position! After each diaper change, roll them over onto the tummy and get down to their level.  This will give them multiple experiences throughout the day to be in this position and develop comfort and routine for it.  Communicate with your baby when they are in this position through song, soft words and happy facial expressions offering them security and encouragement.  A hand placed on their back can give them the comfort from your touch, so they do not feel alone and trapped in this position. They should enjoy their tummy time.  Move them out when they get frustrated, so it is not a negative experience but a positive one!  Rolling them into and out of the position will encourage motor learning and show the child they can get into and out of the position without leaving them to struggle.  Have FUN with it, it will help your child develop muscles and strength they will need to roll, sit, crawl, and walk! 

 

Danielle Bararuk

Physiotherapist

Pelvic Health Therapist

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Danielle Bararuk

Danielle Bararuk strongly believes that physiotherapy is both a proactive and reactive profession. She is passionate that it is not only her goal to get someone well after injury but to empower patients’ to take control of their recovery and to stay well.

Danielle completed her Bachelor of Physical Therapy at the University of Saskatchewan in 2008. Danielle started her career in the private practice setting treating Musculoskeletal injures and became fascinated with the biomechanics and the complexity of the human body. She has spent her time over the past ten years gaining experience treating all ages and all types of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Her aim is to reestablish appropriate movement patterns, improve function and reduce the likelihood of re-injury. She always uses an individualized treatment approach that incorporates manual therapy, exercise prescription and patient education. Danielle believes that by listening to her patients and having them be an active component in their own rehab, she can provide them with the correct treatment and education to empower them to reach their treatment goals.

Danielle has completed additional education courses in orthopaedic manual therapy, myofascial release and pelvic floor physiotherapy. Danielle has a special interest in pediatric physiotherapy and is excited to be adding additional pediatric educational courses in the near future!

Danielle believes in leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle and the importance of spending quality time with her family and friends. She enjoys physical activity daily with her three young children and you can usually find her out walking, running or biking on a trail with them. Life is full of adventure and wonderful experiences and Danielle aims to help you return to the ones that are most important to you!

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