Placing your baby on their back to sleep has for many years been the advice given to parents by professionals in an attempt to reduce the risk of cot death.As a result of this advice many parents have discouraged their babies from lying on their tummies at all. Consequently a very high proportion of children are now entering adolescence with poor posture which means an even greater number of adults with back pain.

Not encouraging babies to sleep on their tummies, should not be confused with not lying babies on their tummies at all.For babies, regular periods spent lying on their tummies provides postural benefits which endure into adulthood. At no other time in life is there such a natural activity which will offer the same advantages. When babies lie on their tummies they develop unique and essential skills as they lift up the head and strengthen the back and neck. When lifting the shoulders they also strengthen the arms and back and stretch open the ribcage. In doing this babies deepen their breathing rhythm which allows for a far greater volume of oxygen for less effort. For the lungs and heart this maximises their efficiency and is of obvious significance to the baby’s health, growth and development.

In lifting the shoulders and opening the chest babies also begin to stretch their abdominal muscles, which allows the tummy to relax more fully.Together with a deeper breathing rhythm this creates more digestive ease and helps in the relief of wind, reflux, colic and constipation.

Finally, in this position the baby pushes down on the tummy in order to lift the head, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, legs and feet from the floor in a phenomenal display of effort which strengthens those muscles that support the spine.Such strengthening is impossible to achieve at any other time in any other position.The head, heart, lungs, liver, arms and legs are all supported by the spine.As the central supporting column of the whole body it is vital to create flexibility in the spine and strengthen the muscles that provide its support.This vital phase of infant development can only be achieved in the tummy forward position.A strong back and a flexible spine promotes all the benefits of good posture; an open healthy chest, a relaxed tummy and a body that is structurally balanced.

Regular daily periods of time spent playing on their tummies is vital to the healthy development of your baby, providing lasting benefits to your child’s breathing, digestion and posture.