Tummy time helps build a baby's neck, back and core muscles, and babies often protest it the loudest. As a pediatric chiropractor team in Royal Oak, we share five simple ideas that take the pressure off parents and babies alike.
Tummy time tips from a pediatric chiropractor in Royal Oak
Our list starts the way we put it: "When my friends ask me about tummy time, I send them this list." We shared that "Tummy time helps build a baby's neck, back and core muscles, and it is often the thing babies protest the loudest."
If your baby is one of the loud protesters, we said it plainly: "If yours is in that camp, you are not doing it wrong."
How long should a tummy time try last?
Keep it short. We tell parents to "Start tiny: 20 to 60 seconds counts."
We also said that "A few short tries a day work better than one long one." That takes the pressure off a parent with a fussy baby, because a try can be over in under a minute.
What if my baby has had enough?
Stop. Our advice is "If baby has had enough, stop and try again later." There is no need to push through a protest.
The other rule on our list is that tummy time is for awake and supervised moments only, with you right there.
Where can I do tummy time with my baby?
Try your own body. We suggest you "Try baby on your chest, or face down along your shins."
Both put you close to your baby, which fits the awake and supervised rule on our list.
Do you see babies at your Royal Oak office?
Yes. Dr. Anna Saylor, Dr. John Johr and Dr. Zach Conner all see pregnant patients, babies and children, and each of them does all of our techniques. You can read more about pediatric chiropractic and newborn and infant care in Royal Oak, or meet the doctors.
Families come to our Royal Oak office at 4203 Rochester Rd from Troy, Ferndale, Berkley and Clawson, among other nearby towns. If you live close, see our pages for Troy and Ferndale.
Call or text (248) 616-0900, or book online.
Frequently asked questions
How long should tummy time last for a baby?
Start tiny: 20 to 60 seconds counts. We said a few short tries a day work better than one long one, so you do not need to push for a long stretch. If your baby protests, that is common, and you are not doing it wrong. Try again later.
Can I do tummy time while my baby sleeps?
No. We say tummy time is for awake and supervised moments only. Supervised means you are right there with your baby for the whole try. If your baby is asleep, tummy time waits until they are awake and you can watch them. Call (248) 616-0900 if you want to talk it through.
What can I try if my baby hates tummy time?
If baby has had enough, stop and try again later. You can also try baby on your chest, or face down along your shins. Keep each try short, since 20 to 60 seconds counts. We said babies often protest tummy time the loudest, and a protesting baby does not mean you are doing it wrong.
Does Van Every see babies in Royal Oak?
Yes. All three of our doctors, Dr. Anna Saylor, Dr. John Johr and Dr. Zach Conner, see pregnant patients, babies and children at our Royal Oak office at 4203 Rochester Rd. Call or text (248) 616-0900 to book a visit, or use the schedule link on our site.
