Exercise for Infants

 

Exercise for Infants

Starting from birth, infants need movement.  Today it is recommended by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) that infants are to be placed on their backs in their cribs.  Added to this, it is common that babies are placed in car seats, carriers, strollers, swings, and bouncy seats, all placing the babies on their backs.  One of the purposes for this is to decrease the chances of their airways becoming blocked or obstructed.

                Although the above is recommended, one thing that may occur as a result is a condition called plagiocephaly, or a flattening of the head.  With babies spending so much time on their backs and with a soft skull as well, the head will often times flatten in the area where the baby feels most comfortable. 

                Another cause of the plagiocephaly could be from a relatively common condition in newborns called Torticollis.  Torticollis means to have a twisted neck.  In adults you may call it a stiff neck.  Essentially, an infant’s large muscle that runs from the back of the ears to the collar bone, tightens on one side, making it difficult for the baby to turn their head.

                It is believed that Torticollis could be related to an abnormal positioning while the infant is still in the uterus.  Particularly, in breech birth, the infants head may be resting abnormally, twisting the neck.  The possibility of Torticollis may also be increased in deliveries that a forceps or vacuum device have been used.

                If you suspect your child may have torticollis, check for the following signs:

1.       Head tilts in one direction.  May be difficult to notice in young infants.

2.       Infant prefers to look over their shoulder rather than turn head to follow you with their eyes.

3.       Infant has a difficult time when breastfeeding on one side.

4.       Infant has to work hard to turn head and shows frustration when unable to do so.

5.       Head develops plagiocephaly, or a flat spot.

Consult a doctor if you believe your infant could have torticollis.  A doctor could give you some stretching exercises for your child, or may recommend you to a physical therapist to assist you. 

Following are a few ideas that you could use at home. 

1.        Feed your child in a position that encourages them to turn in the direction they have struggles with.  This will give them some natural stretching as they turn their heads.

2.       At bedtime or nap times, place your baby, on their back, in the crib, with their heads at the end of the crib that will place their gaze (as a result of their head tilt) to the wall.  When they wake, most babies want to see out into the room rather than at the wall.  This will encourage them to turn their heads towards the room.

3.       When you are playing with your infant, place, hold, or shake toys on the side they do not like to turn towards.  This will encourage more turning to find the toys.

4.       And always, give your infant some supervised time on their tummies.  (More to follow regarding this suggestion).

To prevent your infant from developing plagiocephaly, to develop good core muscles, and to aide your infant in gaining a better awareness of movement, here are a few ideas or exercises that could be helpful.  Before going to those ideas however, please make a few considerations.  Make sure that these ideas are all supervised by a parent or an adult to make sure the infant remains safe.  Also, remember, especially in young infants, they are still developing neck strength so when placing your child on their tummies, make sure they are able to turn their heads or turn them for them.  Don’t leave an infant facing flat down.  These exercises do not have to be for long periods of time.  Especially in young infants, time on their bellies should be limited to a few minutes at a time while an attentive adult is with them.  So, now, here are those few ideas to help prevent plagiocephaly.  Always consult a doctor before attempting the following.

1.        Place your infant on your belly or chest when you are lying down.  This gives your infant a bonding opportunity and easy eye contact with you.  It also makes it easy for you to make sure they are able to lift or turn their head.

2.       When placing your infant on their bellies on the floor, get down on the floor with them so you are at their eye level.  From here, you can smile, talk to, and sing to your baby to encourage them to lift their heads and watch you.  Make sure they are able to lift and turn their head.  If they have difficulty with this, consult your pediatrician. 

3.       Place your baby on their tummy across your lap.  Make sure they have enough support so they are and feel safe.  This will strengthen their neck and back muscles.  Always keep at least one hand on your infant so they don’t roll off your lap. 

4.       Carry your baby around the house on her tummy rather than on her back or upright.  The baby should be close to your body for safety and stability.  One hand is between the legs and under the tummy while your other hand supports their head and shoulders.

Start tummy time daily for a minute or two after changing a diaper or getting them dressed.  It should not be for long periods, especially with very young infants; however, practice it several times a day.  Again, consult with your doctor before using the above ideas.  Thanks for reading, I hope it is helpful.