‘Tummy Time’ Analysis Supports Health Benefits in Infant Development

The benefits of “tummy time” for infants are described in a systemic review of research published in the June 2020 issue of Pediatrics. The article, “Tummy Time and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systemic Review” (published online May 5) examined the conclusions of 16 articles representing 4,237 participants from eight countries. Tummy time is a form of physical activity recommended for infants under the age of 6 months, intended to improve gross motor development and counter the head-flattening effects associated with spending too much time on their backs. The authors noted that tummy time was positively associated with gross motor and total development, prevention of brachycephaly and the ability to move while prone, supine, crawling and rolling.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.