Health Tip: Make 'Tummy Time' Fun

(HealthDay News) -- While infants should never sleep on their stomach, tummy time while an infant is awake and being watched is important for baby's development, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.

The academy mentions these suggestions to make "tummy time" fun for baby:

  • With baby on his tummy, place a favorite toy just a little bit out of reach to encourage him to stretch for it.

  • Surround baby with a circle of toys to encourage strengthening muscles by reaching in different directions.

  • Once baby is old enough, place baby belly-down on your chest so he will pick up his head to look at your face.

  • Encourage other young children to play with baby during tummy time, as long as you carefully supervise them together.

Related Articles

Learn More About Sharp
Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's health care leader with seven hospitals, two medical groups and a health plan. Learn more about our San Diego hospitals, choose a Sharp-affiliated San Diego doctor or browse our comprehensive medical services.

Health News is provided as a service to Sharp Web site users by HealthDay. Sharp HealthCare nor its employees, agents, or contractors, review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these articles. Please read the Terms of Use for more information.