No need for tummy time?

[Taurean]

Thanks for posting this I was feeling a bit guilty about DD2's lack of tummy time. It's so difficult cause she's not a fan, suffers from reflux (so often just spews) and finding the time for it is just difficult - as ridiculous as that sounds!

My MCHN was actually great about it last visit and said laying DD2 against our tummies throughout the day, which she loves, is sufficient. The MCHN was so understanding and said to just give it a go if time permitted and DD was happy to do it.

My theory is DD2's neck strength is amazing and has been since birth so she doesn't need much help in that department and if tummy time will help her crawl early, then I'm certainly not interested! I learnt from DD1 the hard way - a less mobile baby is a lot easier to look after!

[wysiwyg]

I think the prescription of "Tummy Time" has come about due to babies now needing to sleep on backs due to SIDS and also due to some parenting regimes (there was one on that UK show where you interact very little with the baby) where babies were just in their cots, bassinets, floor etc on their backs all the time and held for minimal periods. Really I think it means just not on their back all the time (preventing head flattening as well as giving muscle strengthening) - and all the baby wearing, holding on chest, across knees for easing wind, along the forearm when really little are all "Tummy Time". Of course like most things the "Tummy Time" have been commercialized as well with lots of toys and gadgets promoting that they are for Tummy Time.

[~Kim~]

Funny, I remember reading something similar when DD1 was tiny. She hated it so I didn't worry. Same with DS. They could both hold their heads up from birth. DD2 was/is a truly floppy baby and she really doesn't mind (and prefers to sleep on her belly too), so I've been letting her watch the bigger kids on her tummy. Her neck strength is really improving. We move her when she cracks is, so yep....I guess all that rambling was to say I do agree and I don't.
Not sure what using a car seat judiciously means though...

[onthefly]

My personal theory is that that this was recommended as a (possibly unconscious) means to combat the "lying down baby" syndrome, where some babies may otherwise be left to lie in their prams or cots, without being moved around. This movement would come naturally if you hold/wear your baby etc.

[Heaven]

I never really did it. I mean, they did get tummy time, but I never did it on purpose thinking 'they better have some tummy time now' iykwim. I just put them down how I wanted if they were comfortable but mostly I was holding onto them anyway.

[zilly]

i was under the impression that holding their neck up was a natural reflex so it should be encouraged. but also agree lying on your chest and other positions help towards it too