Tips for success
Tummy time during treatment for hip dysplasia is definitely still possible. Sometimes a little repositioning is needed to get a spot that is comfy. Hopefully these tips help make tummy time more enjoyable:
- Start with short bursts of time and build up your little one's tolerance slowly.
- Make it a pleasant experience, therefore stop before they get distressed.
- Use your body to help position your little one, for example they can drape over your knee or lay on your tummy.
- Toys are good for distraction, so place their favourite one just in reach for example.
- Get down on the floor and have a chat, so they know you're in this together.
- Pop them over a rolled up towel or put a pillow under the play rug to position them over however only do so with supervision.
- Put their little elbows under their shoulders so they can keep them propped up better.
Remember...
Wearing your little one in a baby carrier and even cuddling them on your chest after a feed can all contribute to 'tummy time'.
Why is tummy time important:
- Both your baby's brain and physical skills get a workout.
- Tummy time is a building block for other developmental milestones such as rolling, crawling, sitting etc
- Shoulder, neck, arm and back muscles are strengthened during tummy time which enables babies to reposition themselves safely during sleep once they start rolling
- It helps prevent a flat spot on the head
For more ideas check out @nicole_kidsphysio on Instagram
Disclaimer
This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. Every effort is made to ensure this information is up to date, accurate and easy to understand. Healthy Hips Australia accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading. This can be reproduce with acknowledgement to Healthy Hips Australia. Handouts are available to download free of charge at www.healthyhipsaustralia.org.au
Developed by Healthy Hips Australia July 2020. Last revised November 2021.
