Tummy Time for All Ages!
Written by: Angie Voss, OTR

One of the easiest and most beneficial ways to provide a dose of organizing and regulating sensory input is "prone on elbows", also known as tummy time!  This is a developmental position first encouraged for infants and should be encouraged throughout life...even as adults.  Let me explain why....

First of all "prone on elbows" is when one is on their belly on a flat and firm surface like the floor, and propped up on the elbows (pictured above), supporting the upper body and neck/head with the use of the shoulder girdle and back muscles (not resting the chin on the hands or the floor).  When in this position the neck is in extension which activates the brain stem, and this is very regulating for the nervous system.  

Additional therapeutic and sensory benefits of tummy time:
  • Promotes prone extension which is one of the two most important developmental patterns for sensory integration. 
  • Facilitates shoulder girdle strength and stability which is essential for fine motor and visual motor development.  
  • Promotes ocular motor development. 
  • Provides deep pressure touch to the entire surface of the body that is touching the floor/ground.
  • Provides a small dose of joint traction to the spine with the break from gravity in upright positions.
You simply can't go wrong with tummy time! It's FREE and requires no additional sensory equipment! You want to encourage it often throughout the day and for any length of time...some children can only stay in true prone on elbows for a minute or two...then take a little break resting the head and shoulders on the floor, and prop back up again.
Here are some great activity suggestions for incorporating tummy time into the day for your child and for yourself!  I would suggest doing this with your child, as it really encourages and promotes more participation, and as I mentioned earlier...it is great for all of our nervous systems!
  • Play games or do puzzles
  • Coloring, drawing, or reading a book
  • Doing homework
  • Allowing students in the classroom to be prone on elbows to help with attention to a lesson.
  • Have the entire group of children do this at circle time at school!
  • And even though I do not promote screen time...at least make the most of it and have your  child watch TV or play video games prone on elbows.
  • Swinging on a platform swing or in a hammock, or draped over a BOSU ball.
  • Scooter board activities