Spring 2009

TUMMY TIME TRUMPS AGAIN!

Do you remember how much we taught you about the connection between tummy time and motor development, crucial for academic learning in school? Here’s some interesting information you can share with parents and other teachers.

An interesting Canadian study reported in "Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" January 31, 2007 compared motor skills in healthy white infants based on the amount of time spent in the supine (on back) or prone (on tummy) positions. Besides sleeping position, parents also recorded their baby's positioning during the day. The infants were reassessed at 15 months.

The report states that at 4 months, infants in the supine group had lower motor scores and were significantly less likely to achieve prone extension in their arms. At 6 months, differences in motor development between the supine and prone infants increased significantly; 22% of infants in the supine group had gross motor delays and also were less likely than infants in the prone group to sit and roll. Among infants who slept in the supine position, more time spent in the prone position (tummy time) during the day was positively correlated with better motor performance. At 15 months, baseline sleep position still predicted motor performance.

Daily exposure to "tummy time" improved motor skills. Motor skills are highly correlated with academic and school success. Fortunately, more and more pediatricians are now giving parents advice on "tummy time," but not enough, so continue to spread the word with your parents, friends, and relatives!