Babies missing out on 'tummy time'

CHICAGO, July 1 (UPI) -- Having babies sleep on their backs reduces Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, but losing out on tummy time hurts their muscles, U.S. researchers say.

With babies sleeping on their backs, they miss out on the 12 hours of tummy time they used to get during sleep. As a result, many babies don't get the stretching and strengthening of the back and neck muscles they need. This can lead to early motor delay, said the Pathways Awareness Medical Round Table, a group of pediatricians, surgeons, physical therapists, nurses and researchers.

Studies show 1 in 40 babies are diagnosed with early motor delay and 400,000 babies a year are at risk. The term "early motor delay" describes a wide variety of conditions, ranging from low muscle tone to cerebral palsy.

The Pathways Medical Round Table developed a set of standards for tummy time that outline when to start, how much babies need and the best ways to encourage the activity. Some early motor delays are present at birth, and others develop or are exacerbated because of lack of tummy time, however, with physical therapy children catch up quickly.

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