Peace can be tummy time.

Peace can be tummy time but sometimes baby needs some encouragement to play while laying on their tummy. Starting from newborn age tummy time is important for babies to strengthen their back and neck muscles and it helps prevent flat spots from developing on the back or side of an infant's head.

Spending a few minutes as a newborn and building up to fifteen to thirty minutes a few times a day as the baby gets a few months old helps provide muscle strengthening playtime. The younger infant may sleep and to reduce risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) it is recommended to have them on their back for more extended naps and bedtime. The older infant may get bored and might enjoy having their caregiver in front with a toy to look at. They also can learn to strengthen their leg muscles for later crawling development if the caregiver sits so the infant can push their feet against the caregiver's leg.

• See more about tummy time here: "Babies Need Tummy Time!" nichd.nih.gov .

Switching arms for holding and feeding a baby also helps promote even muscle development. Spoon feeding the older baby from a variety of directions can also help them strengthen their neck muscles and develop evenly. When an infant is always turning their head in the same direction the muscles of the neck can sometimes become tightened and shortened in that direction (a condition called torticollis which can also occur as a birth condition).

• See more about infant torticollis and flat spots (plagiocehaly) here: "Torticollis: a common condition in babies, how parents can treat & prevent it." UVM Medical Center Blog.

• Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.