"I've asked my child's doctor and searched the Web about how much tummy time my baby needs and when she should start, but I've heard a lot of different answers. Are there any specific standards for tummy time?"

Gay Girolami, a physical therapist and member of the Pathways Medical Round Table, a group of leading pediatric professionals that include pediatricians, surgeons, physical therapists, nurses and researchers, is all too familiar with questions like this one. Recently, members of the Pathways Medical Round Table spoke with parents and found there is some confusion about tummy time. Many know tummy time is an important part of infant development, but are confused by how much, when to start and how to make it a positive event for them and their babies.

To clear up any confusion, Girolami has answered questions from parents like you so you can confidently incorporate tummy time into your baby's life.

Tummy time helps babies strengthen their back muscles, which is one of the very first steps for optimal motor development. Although the back-to-sleep initiative has effectively reduced cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by 40 percent, babies now miss out on approximately 12 to 15 hours of tummy time, which they used to get during sleep. As a result, many babies don't get the strengthening of the back and neck muscles they need, which can lead to or exacerbate an early motor delay.

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