08/12/2026
Your baby has their primitive startle reflex for protection.
But it can be a nuisance for sleep if the reflex is overactive or the body hasnāt learned how to work its way through the reflex and come out of fight or flight.
This reflex integrates over time, and itās our job has parents (and providers) to help babyās body learn where it is in and space and time to help it along the way.
How do we do this? Unrestricted MOVEMENT!
1. More time on the belly! By the time your baby is 1 month old, we should be at around 20min of tummy time daily - broken into small bits they can tolerate during their 5 min wake windows. This can be done on your chest, laying all the way back for more of a challenge for your little one.
By 2 months - 40min
By 3 months - 60min
MORE TUMMY TIME DURING THE DAY = BETTER SLEEP š“
We often see little ones for feeding difficulty, but they also have sleep issues, difficulty p**ping, trapped gas, reflux symptoms, body tension, flat spots forming on their little heads, and when we ask about tummy time - itās always below the recommendation. OR theyāre doing it, but not quite sure how to make it the most effective.
2. Side lying play! Practicing laying on their side while looking at black and white cards, listening to crinkle paper, fisher price aquarium (IYKYK), and assisted rolling in and out of tummy time can be a GAME CHANGER! It brings body awareness and helps relieve tension and calm that startle reflex.
Weāre Baby Bliss | Integrative Feeding Support - your trusted team of nurses, pediatric therapists, IBCLCs and feeding experts, ready to help you find the confidence in your parenting journey and calmness along the way š
If you feel ābehindā on tummy time, or want to learn the ways we can make it more effective to help your baby with sleep, feeding and easier diapers, reserve your spot for our upcoming tummy time class next week!
This is one of the community favorites, and space is limited, so reserve your spot and send this to the friend you want to bring! š