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Awakening: helping baby to experience the prone position.
A baby is sleeping on his back. But during his waking moments, being on his stomach is important in his psychomotor development. Update with Michèle Forestier, physiotherapist.
In video: Waking up baby on the floor on his mat
From what age can a baby be offered to be on the tummy?
MICHELE FORESTIER: From birth, or in the following weeks. One important thing: I recommend not to “lay” the baby on the tummy directly. It is better, when it is on its back, to make it roll on the stomach while accompanying it. This prevents him from feeling insecure and helps him to discover for himself the passage from the back to the stomach. Ideally, he should be left to do it on his own, but some babies may have difficulties, for various reasons: stiff neck, head too heavy, hyper or hypotonic … By helping him, we allow him to take little by little. little knowledge of this position.
The fact of being on the stomach, what does it bring to the toddler?
MICHELE FORESTIER: The posterior musculature – back, arms, shoulders – is done if the child is prone. This position gives him a different look, a horizontal gaze, as when he is seated, with a better field of vision than on his back. To raise his head, he must lean on his elbows, which strengthens his bodybuilding. It can turn its head on its entire axis. From 3 months, some babies are already getting there. The flat stomach is essential for crawling, on all fours, and then to sit. If the prone child is unable to lift his head, he cannot crawl on all fours.
In addition, many parents install their babies in a deckchair or on a mat equipped with a play frame, when they are awake. He therefore does not spontaneously know the position on his stomach. I see children of 7, 8 or 9 months who have never experienced this position.
How long can we leave it?
MICHELE FORESTIER: At the beginning, we only leave it on for a few seconds, when we change it, for example. Then if it is so, it is left a little more, on a carpet placed on the ground, firm enough to allow a good support and without too many toys which can obstruct it to move. It is offered to him several times a day, but never for long.
Do all children like to be on their stomachs?
MICHELE FORESTIER: No. And those who don’t appreciate it are often the ones who weren’t offered it when they were toddlers. Others generally enjoy it because it gives them great freedom, they can play with their hands, elbows well supported.