Tummy time

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Tummy Time

Tummy time (/ˈtʌmi taɪm/) is a term used in the field of pediatrics to describe the time a baby spends on their stomach while awake and supervised. It is an essential part of a baby's development and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Etymology

The term "tummy time" is derived from the colloquial English word "tummy", referring to the stomach area, and "time", indicating a period or duration. It was coined to describe the practice of placing babies on their stomachs during awake periods to promote muscle development and strength.

Importance

Tummy time helps to strengthen a baby's neck, shoulder, and upper body muscles. It also aids in the development of motor skills and prevents the back of the baby's head from becoming flat (plagiocephaly).

Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting tummy time from the first day home from the hospital. Babies should have tummy time 2-3 times each day for a short period, gradually increasing the duration as the baby grows older and stronger.

Related Terms

  • Pediatrics: The branch of medicine dealing with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Plagiocephaly: A condition characterized by an asymmetrical distortion (flattening of one side) of the skull. It is a common finding at birth and may be the result of a restrictive intrauterine environment.
  • Motor Skills: The actions that involve the muscles in the body. They are categorized as either gross motor skills, which involve the larger muscles, or fine motor skills, which involve the smaller muscles.

External links

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