How Tummy Time Can Help Babies with Reflux

Raise your hand if you knew tummy time could be a game-changer for babies with reflux! Many parents associate tummy time with developmental milestones like rolling and crawling, and often think they need to avoid it if their baby spits up a lot, but it actually plays a surprising role in helping babies who experience reflux.

Here’s why:

Relieving Digestive Discomfort

Reflux is often caused by trapped air in a baby’s digestive tract. When babies are placed on their tummy, the pressure on their abdomen can help expel some of that air. This gentle compression can reduce discomfort, allowing babies to feel more at ease. The positioning of a baby’s stomach when they are on their tummy also allows for gravity to assist with keeping food down. 

Stretching Tight Muscles

Babies with reflux often develop tightness or tension in their bodies. This is because they may arch or hold themselves in certain positions to cope with their discomfort. Incorporating tummy time and other varied positions throughout the day helps stretch and lengthen tight muscles, improving their overall mobility.

Strengthening Postural Muscles

Tummy time is crucial for building strong neck, back, and core muscles. These postural muscles play a significant role in feeding, as they help babies stabilize themselves for better latching and swallowing. Strengthening these muscles can improve your baby’s ability to feed effectively, which can in turn reduce reflux episodes.

Find the Root Cause

While tummy time offers relief, it’s also important to identify and address the root cause of your baby’s reflux. Reflux can be influenced by a variety of factors, including feeding mechanics, muscle tension, or even undiagnosed oral ties. An evaluation with a pediatric therapist who specializes in infants can help pinpoint the underlying cause and provide targeted strategies to improve your baby’s comfort and well-being.

If your baby suffers from reflux, don’t shy away from tummy time! Start slowly and gradually increase the time as your baby becomes more comfortable. Incorporating gentle movements and stretches in other positions throughout the day can also help.

And remember, you’re not alone. A pediatric physical therapist can guide you through this process, providing hands-on care to help your baby feel more comfortable in their body while supporting their overall development.

If you have questions or want to explore how physical therapy can help your baby, reach out HERE!

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