The Surprising Link Between Tummy Time and Feeding Success

Our Occupational Therapists (OTs) have specialized training in feeding therapy, helping infants, toddlers, and young children feel more comfortable and confident around food.

THROUGH A PLAYFUL, SENSORY-BASED APPROACH, WE HELP:

• Children explore new foods and expand the variety they enjoy—without pressure.
• Families move beyond mealtime battles toward calmer, more positive experiences together.
• Parents understand what’s behind picky eating and find gentle ways to support their child.
• Children with food anxiety, texture aversions, or ARFID build a positive, trusting relationship with food at their own pace.

We meet each child and family where they are, making room for curiosity, connection, and small steps forward.

Wondering why pediatric PTs/OTs constantly emphasize tummy time?

It’s not just about hitting that crawling milestone. It actively builds the foundational core and neck strength your baby desperately needs for successful feeding, safe swallowing, and eventually, speaking.

The Core-Jaw Connection:

A strong core and a stable neck provide the essential anchor your baby's jaw needs to move efficiently. Without solid neck stability, the jaw muscles have to work overtime to compensate during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, leading to fatigue and poor milk transfer.

Airway Alignment and Safety:

Proper head and neck control helps keep the airway open and perfectly aligned. When a baby can hold their head steady, swallowing becomes significantly safer, naturally reducing instances of coughing, sputtering, or milk leakage.

Reflex Integration:

Time spent on the belly helps integrate early infant reflexes. As babies push up and turn their heads, they are mapping their mouth and sensory systems, paving the way for the intentional, coordinated motor movements required for chewing and biting later on.

Building Endurance:

Eating is a surprisingly intense workout for infants. The physical stamina built during floor play directly translates to the stamina needed to finish a full feed without falling asleep halfway through.

PT/OT Tips for Parents:

If your baby strongly resists the floor, don't force it all at once. Start with chest-to-chest tummy time while you recline on the couch. Next, try placing a nursing pillow or a tightly rolled receiving blanket under their chest for slight elevation to take the pressure off. Even 2-3 minute bursts sprinkled throughout the day will steadily build that crucial endurance.

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