The myth of 'tummy time'. Holistic mamahood and how to raise a child that fully owns their body.

Your baby doesn’t need tummy time. They need time on their back in freedom.

By allowing babies to come to the developmental milestones at their own time, we ensure that one they “achieve” those milestones they will have fully embody them. The first milestone is the baby turning in their tummy from their back. If we put babies on their tummy (tummy time is very popular) then they do not get the opportunity to try the movement for themselves. And why does this matter? If babies are born without being able to go on their tummy straight away is because they are not meant to. And that they will WHEN they are ready. And to get to their tummy it takes time and effort. And effort is important. And trial and error is important. This way the baby figures out their body. Learns how to use their muscles. They learn movement. They FULLY embody the movement. So what do we need to do to help our babies??? Nothing! Just place them on their back, on the floor. Without things hanging on top of them. And without placing them in baby bouncers. 

Tummy time came about because of the flat head syndrome as a result of putting babies in baby bouncers and with things hanging on top of them. So babies could not really move their heads in all directions. If we put babies on the floor and allow free movement there is no chance of baby’s head getting flat. 

You do not need to put your baby for “tummy time” because they are not ready to be on their tummy yet. Unless they are ready to go on their tummy, which they will do on their own if given the opportunity to get there. And that will mean, they were ready! And they will fully own this important gross motor skill as well as other aspects in their emotional, intellectual and spiritual development. 

Same goes for sitting and standing. Would you like to know more?