22/01/2026
The “tiger in the tree” hold (where baby lies tummy down along your forearm) offers several gentle benefits for a newborn’s developing body and nervous system. It also very much counts as ‘tummy time’!
Being held face-down allows gravity to assist natural spinal flexion, helping the baby’s back, neck, and pelvis settle into a comfortable, supported position. For babies who carry tension from pregnancy or birth, this position can feel grounding and relieving rather than stimulating.
The gentle pressure through the tummy and chest can also help calm the nervous system. Many babies find this position soothing because it provides deep sensory input, which supports regulation and settling particularly in babies who feel overstimulated, windy, or unsettled.
From a movement perspective, this hold encourages balanced head and neck positioning without forcing symmetry. It allows the baby to gently engage their postural muscles in a supported way, helping early coordination without strain.
Parents often notice that babies:
* Relax more easily
* Settle their breathing
* Release wind more comfortably
* Feel calmer in their bodies
Importantly mums and dads, this is not about correcting posture or “doing it perfectly”. It’s about offering your baby a position that supports comfort, movement, and regulation during those early weeks when their nervous system is still learning to adapt to life outside the womb. Give it a go and let me know how you and your baby get on