The "back to sleep" campaign, educating parents that babies should be put to sleep laying on their backs, is very successful. The number of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) deaths has fallen significantly. The downside to the success is that babies now spend less time on their tummies. The decrease in "tummy time" may be delaying the motor development of babies.
"The supine sleep recommendation has resulted in very dramatic changes in positioning practice ‚ not only in terms of sleep position, but also in terms of how parents position babies when they're awake," said Annette Majnemer, Ph.D., of the Magill University School of Physical and Occupational Therapy.
Tummy time is important for muscular development. When babies were put to sleep on their tummies, they would awaken, lift their heads, use their arms to push themselves up, and wiggle their legs. Now, sleeping in the supine position, they aren't able to move their muscles as much. This leads to a delay in motor development.
Many parents, fearful of SIDS, don't let their babies lay on their stomachs during play time. There is no indication that babies laying on their stomachs while playing have any increased incidence of SIDS.
The motor development delays tend to disappear by the time the children are 15-months-old. It's important for parents and their children's doctors to understand this delay is now considered normal. There is no need for concern nor referrals for special evaluations.
Dr. Majnemer recommends that parents allow their babies as much tummy time as possible. When awake and supervised, babies should be placed on their tummies and not on their backs.
Dr. Majnemer concludes that "This (message) should in no way imply any change in the guidelines for infant sleeping position. Babies should be placed on their backs for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. But when they're awake and supervised, increased tummy time should be actively promoted."
Family Practice News, 1/15/04
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