06/17/2025
💛 How Tummy Time Can Transform Feeding Success 💛
Did you know that those tummy time moments aren’t just building your baby’s strength - they’re also setting the foundation for better feeding? Here’s the amazing connection:
**Improved cervical extension** - opens the neck fully, creating space for optimal jaw movement and wider latch
**Enhanced tongue mobility** - tummy time promotes tongue movement since the hyoid bone (where tongue muscles attach) is connected to neck positioning
**Releases tension** - in the neck, jaw, and floor of the mouth that can restrict feeding
**Builds strength & coordination** - the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles babies use to position themselves and maintain a good latch
**Additional benefits research shows:**
✨ Enhances the rooting reflex - helping baby find the breast/bottle
✨ Develops oral motor skills needed for coordinated sucking
✨ Improves head control for sustained feeding
✨ Creates comfortable feeding positions as baby adapts to movement
✨ Reduces gas/reflux discomfort for calmer feeds
When we understand that the hyoid bone serves as the foundation for tongue movement and is held in position by muscles above and below, tummy time becomes so much more than exercise - it’s feeding preparation!
Your baby’s whole body works together, and tummy time helps create the optimal conditions for comfortable, effective feeding. 💕
