The Importance of Tummy Time

Tummy time- are we doing it enough, are we encouraging parents and educating them on why it’s important? 

As a feeding therapist, we may be one of the first to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of tummy time and what that can look like. 

It doesn’t have to be scary, baby doesn’t have to stay on their tummy for an indefinite amount of time, it can be broken up into short segments of time throughout the day. The more they do it- the easier it gets and the more they like it! 

So what is tummy time?

It’s placing a baby on their tummy, when they are awake, to play and explore their environment under supervision. 

It doesn’t have to be long periods of time on the tummy, it may be 5 minutes while mom is playing with baby and then they are done. Totally fine when you are just beginning, with the goal of building up the amount of time the baby is willing to lay on their belly on the floor. 

Tummy time can also be done on a parents or caregivers chest from an early age. Encourage play with toys, rattles, age appropriate teethers while the baby is in tummy time. Keeping the baby engaged during tummy time is key and can be a game changer for how they respond to it!
In an age of babies spending TONS of time in containers (car seats, swings, bouncers, etc.) tummy time has never been more important to help facilitate the development of many crucial early skills.

There are so many benefits to tummy time including:

  • support for overall development, including oral motor skills
  • it aids global physical, mental, and visual development
  • builds neck and shoulder muscles and improve a newborn’s head control
  • lays the foundation for other skills such as rolling, sitting, and crawling
  • helps baby gain awareness of how to move in space
  • aids in prevention of plagiocephaly (flattening of the head)
  • strengthens the neck which provides jaw support necessary for strong oral motor skills or nursing, eating, and vocalizing
  • aids in building fine motor skills as baby is pushing up with their hands while in tummy time

Many times during or after a session of tummy time a parent will report that they see their baby’s tongue moving more, in new directions, and with a greater range of motion.

Any time we can facilitate and educate on the importance of tummy time, we should as it will help facilitate reaching a baby’s feeding goals by aiding development in other related areas.

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Hallie Bulkin

halliebulkin

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This month`s CE Training in The Myo Membership® was absolutely awesome! We were thrilled to welcome renowned speech-language pathologist, author, seminar presenter, and president and co-founder of Speech Dynamics, Inc, Char Boshart, M.A., CCC-SLP. 🎖️

Her presentation, MYO Components & Comparisons: Swallowing, Speech Production, and the Essentials of /s/ and /r/ Therapy, delivered a wealth of knowledge you won`t want to miss. 🧠

Our takeaway? Char`s insightful quote: "Wherever the lips, tongue and jaw rest is where they work." This simple concept unlocks a deeper understanding of speech and swallowing function.

Interested in joining August`s CE Training but not a member yet? Send me a DM!

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram

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This month's CE Training in The Myo Membership® was absolutely awesome! We were thrilled to welcome renowned speech-language pathologist, author, seminar presenter, and president and co-founder of Speech Dynamics, Inc, Char Boshart, M.A., CCC-SLP. 🎖️ Her presentation, MYO Components & Comparisons: Swallowing, Speech Production, and the Essentials of /s/ and /r/ Therapy, delivered a wealth of knowledge you won't want to miss. 🧠 Our takeaway? Char's insightful quote: "Wherever the lips, tongue and jaw rest is where they work." This simple concept unlocks a deeper understanding of speech and swallowing function. Interested in joining August's CE Training but not a member yet? Send me a DM! #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram

Do tongue and lip ties cause any issues beyond struggles with infant feeding?

Are there really any other lasting complications that spill over into other areas of health?

Find out in our latest blog post: https://halliebulkin.com/tongue-lip-ties-health/ or comment `BLOG` below to get the link in your DM.

#tongueties #lipties #infantfeeding #pediatricfeeding #halliebulkinblog

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Do tongue and lip ties cause any issues beyond struggles with infant feeding? Are there really any other lasting complications that spill over into other areas of health? Find out in our latest blog post: https://halliebulkin.com/tongue-lip-ties-health/ or comment 'BLOG' below to get the link in your DM. #tongueties #lipties #infantfeeding #pediatricfeeding #halliebulkinblog

Don`t forget to listen to this week`s podcast. Episode 277 is all about TOTs and Feeding in Clinical Practice & Public Health Initiatives

This week, I discuss the gaps in our understanding of the relationship between tethered oral tissues and food aversions.

I talk about the need for more research on how these tissues affect sensory processing during eating, the importance of early identification and interventions, and the effectiveness of tongue tie release procedures.

I also explore the neurological aspects and long-term impacts on dietary preferences, emphasizing the role of awareness in clinical practice and public health.

You can catch the full episode here https://untetheredpodcast.com/ or comment `PODCAST` below to get the link.

If this episode has resonated with you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag Hallie @halliebulkin

#tetheredoraltissues #theuntetheredpodcast #foodaversions #pediatricfeeding #certifiedpediatricfeedingtherapist #feedingtherapist

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Don't forget to listen to this week's podcast. Episode 277 is all about TOTs and Feeding in Clinical Practice & Public Health Initiatives This week, I discuss the gaps in our understanding of the relationship between tethered oral tissues and food aversions. I talk about the need for more research on how these tissues affect sensory processing during eating, the importance of early identification and interventions, and the effectiveness of tongue tie release procedures. I also explore the neurological aspects and long-term impacts on dietary preferences, emphasizing the role of awareness in clinical practice and public health. You can catch the full episode here https://untetheredpodcast.com/ or comment 'PODCAST' below to get the link. If this episode has resonated with you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening, post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag Hallie @halliebulkin #tetheredoraltissues #theuntetheredpodcast #foodaversions #pediatricfeeding #certifiedpediatricfeedingtherapist #feedingtherapist

Does your tongue have wavy edges?

This wavy pattern, sometimes called a "scalloped tongue," can appear along the sides of the tongue and resemble the ridges of a scallop shell. While not necessarily a cause for alarm on its own, a scalloped tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition called an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD).

Other symptoms to look for may Include:

👅 Tongue resting low/forward/against/between the teeth
👅 Tethered Oral Tissues (e.g., tongue tie)
👅 Sleep Disordered Breathing (e.g., UARS, Sleep Apnea, OSA)
👅 Malocclusion
👅 TMJ

Other causes are said to include:

👅Dehydration
👅Smoking
👅Nutritional Deficiency or Disorder

As myofunctional therapists, our job is to work with the client and their interdisciplinary healthcare team to assess and determine if the root cause of a scalloped tongue (and other symptoms present) is an OMD.

When an OMD is present with a scalloped tongue, we can formulate an individualized care plan to help treat the client and address proper oral rest posture. If the palate is large enough to accommodate the tongue and the tongue is not restricted, orofacial myofunctional therapy may be a sufficient approach. If structural concerns exist (e.g., narrow palate, restricted tongue, etc.) other providers will need likely need to be consulted early in the treatment plan.

P.S. If you`re an SLP, OT, PT, RDH, or DDS and you want to learn more about different OMDs and how to properly assess them, check out www.themyomethod.com or comment `MYO` below and I will send more info your way!

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram #themyomethod #myomethod

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Does your tongue have wavy edges? This wavy pattern, sometimes called a "scalloped tongue," can appear along the sides of the tongue and resemble the ridges of a scallop shell. While not necessarily a cause for alarm on its own, a scalloped tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition called an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD). Other symptoms to look for may Include: 👅 Tongue resting low/forward/against/between the teeth 👅 Tethered Oral Tissues (e.g., tongue tie) 👅 Sleep Disordered Breathing (e.g., UARS, Sleep Apnea, OSA) 👅 Malocclusion 👅 TMJ Other causes are said to include: 👅Dehydration 👅Smoking 👅Nutritional Deficiency or Disorder As myofunctional therapists, our job is to work with the client and their interdisciplinary healthcare team to assess and determine if the root cause of a scalloped tongue (and other symptoms present) is an OMD. When an OMD is present with a scalloped tongue, we can formulate an individualized care plan to help treat the client and address proper oral rest posture. If the palate is large enough to accommodate the tongue and the tongue is not restricted, orofacial myofunctional therapy may be a sufficient approach. If structural concerns exist (e.g., narrow palate, restricted tongue, etc.) other providers will need likely need to be consulted early in the treatment plan. P.S. If you're an SLP, OT, PT, RDH, or DDS and you want to learn more about different OMDs and how to properly assess them, check out www.themyomethod.com or comment 'MYO' below and I will send more info your way! #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #speechlanguagetherapist #registereddentalhygienist #dentist #dentists #pediatricdentistry #physicaltherapist #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #myofunctionaltherapist #continuingeducation #physicaltherapy #slpsofinstagram #myomembership #speechtherapy #speechtherapists #membershipprogram #themyomethod #myomethod

Sensory oral motor feeding difficulties aren’t just a temporary phase that children outgrow. 🍼🍎

These can be complex and often require professional evaluation and treatment to address effectively.
These challenges don’t simply resolve on their own and it takes a dedicated team of specialists to systematically assess and treat the underlying causes.

Unfortunately, most professionals treat sensory and motor as if they exist in silos. We cannot separate the sensory from the motor. Holistic feeding therapists understand this and approach feeding therapy through a sensory oral motor lens.

These professionals can develop a targeted plan to support and help children overcome their feeding difficulties, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and care they need to thrive. 🤝

While we cover sensory and motor throughout the course, Ramya and Caitlin talk in depth about sensory-based feeding difficulties in Module 6 of the Feed The Peds® course. 📚✨

Tag an SLP or OT who might be interested in learning more about sensory-based feeding difficulties! ⬇️

#speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #slpsofinstagram
#pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapist
#feedingtherapy #speechlanguagetherapist #pediatricot
#pediatricfeedingdisorders #pediatricfeedingdisorder #pediatricfeedingtherapy
#pediatricfeedingtherapist #pediatricfeeding #feedthepeds #onlinecourse #onlinelearning

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Sensory oral motor feeding difficulties aren’t just a temporary phase that children outgrow. 🍼🍎 These can be complex and often require professional evaluation and treatment to address effectively. These challenges don’t simply resolve on their own and it takes a dedicated team of specialists to systematically assess and treat the underlying causes. Unfortunately, most professionals treat sensory and motor as if they exist in silos. We cannot separate the sensory from the motor. Holistic feeding therapists understand this and approach feeding therapy through a sensory oral motor lens. These professionals can develop a targeted plan to support and help children overcome their feeding difficulties, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and care they need to thrive. 🤝 While we cover sensory and motor throughout the course, Ramya and Caitlin talk in depth about sensory-based feeding difficulties in Module 6 of the Feed The Peds® course. 📚✨ Tag an SLP or OT who might be interested in learning more about sensory-based feeding difficulties! ⬇️ #speechlanguagepathology #speechlanguagepathologist #slpsofinstagram #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #pediatricoccupationaltherapist #feedingtherapy #speechlanguagetherapist #pediatricot #pediatricfeedingdisorders #pediatricfeedingdisorder #pediatricfeedingtherapy #pediatricfeedingtherapist #pediatricfeeding #feedthepeds #onlinecourse #onlinelearning
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