Infant development worker Heather Weeks is encouraging parents to increase supervised tummy time for their little ones.
An increase in baby flat head, restricted neck movement and developmental delays among infants has prompted the new Tummy Time To Play campaign.
Weeks says Tummy Time helps infants develop the muscles in their back, neck and trunk, which is instrumental in meeting developmental milestones.
She says the high use of baby equipment, such as excer-saucers, jolly jumpers, bumble chairs, car seats, high chairs and play pens is contributing to the problem.
Weeks says many babies never get the chance to play on their tummy, which she says is one of the most important things for an infant.
Research recommends an hour of tummy time each day starting with intervals of a few minutes throughout the day from the time of birth, building up to an hour or more by three months of age.
Weeks cautions though babies should always sleep on their backs and tummy time should always be supervised time.
Anyone wanting more information can email tummytoplay@gmail.com
