The Importance of Tummy Time for Infants: A Neurological and Chiropractic Perspective
As parents, caregivers, and medical professionals, we are all deeply invested in supporting the healthy development of an infant. From the first smile to the first step, every milestone in an infant’s life contributes to their growth and development. One often overlooked but crucial component in this journey is tummy time. In this blog, we will explore why tummy time is essential for an infant’s motor and neurological development, touching on its role in promoting spinal health, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, and how it influences the brain’s maturation from a neurological and chiropractic perspective, particularly through the lens of Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT).
The Neurological Foundation of Tummy Time
Tummy time, or the practice of placing a baby on their stomach while awake, plays a vital role in the early stages of neurological development. From a chiropractic perspective, tummy time helps to promote proper function of the neurospinal system, which in turn supports the healthy development of the brain and nervous system.
The motor system’s development is intrinsically tied to the ability to move, explore, and respond to the environment, and tummy time is a key factor in this process. When an infant spends time on their stomach, it allows them to engage the muscles of the neck, back, and shoulders, encouraging the development of motor skills that lay the foundation for later milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking.
By building strength and coordination in the neuromuscular system, tummy time allows the baby to develop the foundational postural control needed for movement. The neurospinal system is critical during this phase because it directly influences how the brain processes sensory and motor information.
Spinal Alignment and Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow
One of the central tenets of chiropractic care, and specifically SOT, is that the spine directly affects the health and function of the nervous system. A well-adjusted neurospinal system promotes optimal communication between the brain and the body, while stress within the neurospinal system—referred to as subluxations—can interfere with the flow of information within the nervous system and overall brain function.
When a baby spends time on their tummy, the neurospinal system is placed in a position that facilitates the optimal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF plays a critical role in nourishing and protecting the brain, as well as removing waste products. The proper movement and positioning of the infant’s body encourages better circulation of CSF around the spinal cord and brain, which supports neurological development.
Furthermore, the act of lifting and turning the head during tummy time promotes healthy cranial and cervical mobility, which is important for the overall development of the nervous system. This is especially important in the early months of life when the brain is forming new neural connections and pathways.
The Role of Tummy Time in Motor Development
Motor skills and neurological pathways are deeply interconnected. As an infant develops motor skills, it helps to establish the neural circuits that will later be responsible for more complex movements and cognitive functions. During tummy time, the baby must engage in motor activities like lifting their head, reaching, and shifting their weight, which promotes the development of the brain’s motor cortex and strengthens the connection between the body and brain. This is an essential foundation for both gross and fine motor skills.
Moreover, tummy time fosters proprioception (the sense of the body’s position in space), a critical aspect of motor development. As the baby learns to move, their proprioceptive system matures, helping them develop the coordination necessary for future activities like crawling and walking.
The Holistic View: How Neurological Development Influences Brain Health
The neurological system doesn’t develop in isolation—it is deeply connected to the rest of the body. Tummy time impacts not just motor skills but also cognitive development. In early infancy, the brain is highly plastic, meaning it is capable of forming new neural connections at a rapid rate. The sensory input provided during tummy time—particularly the vestibular, tactile, and proprioceptive input—helps shape the development of the brain’s neural circuits, particularly those responsible for balance, coordination, and sensory processing.
The better the nervous system functions, the better the brain can process and respond to information, leading to a more well-rounded developmental trajectory.
Furthermore, the activation of key brain regions during tummy time (like the motor cortex) contributes to the development of other brain areas, particularly those involved in emotional regulation, cognition, and sensory integration. A well-rounded and neurologically healthy infant is more likely to achieve developmental milestones on time and build the skills they need to thrive throughout their lives.
Conclusion: Supporting Healthy Infant Development
Tummy time is not just a developmental tool—it’s a crucial step in supporting the healthy development of an infant’s motor system, spinal health, and neurological function. From a chiropractic perspective, promoting neurospinal health, encouraging healthy CSF flow, and stimulating motor development through tummy time are essential for ensuring the proper maturation of the brain and nervous system. In turn, this foundational stage of development influences every aspect of the infant’s growth, from cognition to emotional regulation, and sets the stage for future milestones.
By integrating tummy time into daily routines and understanding the critical role of stress within the nervous system, parents and caregivers can provide infants with the tools they need to thrive.
The brain is a highly adaptable organ—so the more we nurture its development early on, the greater the potential for optimal growth and learning throughout life.