A tummy time pillow is a specially designed support pillow that helps babies comfortably practice tummy time. It provides gentle elevation and ergonomic support to the baby’s chest and arms, making it easier for them to lift their head, strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, and develop motor skills. These pillows are often used to encourage proper head control and prevent flat head syndrome while making tummy time more enjoyable for babies who may initially resist lying on their tummy.
How to Choose the Right Tummy Time Pillow
When selecting a tummy time pillow, consider the following features:
- Adjustability: Ensure the pillow can adapt to different stages of development, providing the right level of support as your baby grows.
- Soft, breathable materials: Choose a pillow made from materials that keep your baby comfortable and prevent overheating.
- Washable covers: Opt for a pillow with removable, machine-washable covers for easy cleaning.
- Ergonomic design: Select a pillow that promotes proper positioning and supports healthy muscle development.
- Portability: A lightweight and portable design makes it easy to use the pillow at home or on the go.
These features will help you find a tummy time pillow that is safe, comfortable, and practical for your baby’s needs.
Mimos Play – Why is it Suitable for Your Baby
- Mimos® Play is a product that facilitates the practice of Tummy Time and helps correct severe deformities with its adjustable lateral position. It consists of 3 pieces to adjust to the development and age of the baby; therefore, babies can use Mimos® Play from the first weeks of life until the baby reaches the 1-hour tummy time milestone/day.
- Mimos® Play is a product made of breathable, state-of-the-art 3D polyester material, designed to be soft and exceptionally comfortable for your baby.
- Mimos Play features washable covers and is fully washable itself, ensuring easy cleaning and hygiene.
- Ergonomic Design: Mimos Play was developed in collaboration with professionals and physiotherapists, thoughtfully designed to support optimal baby development. Its shape and structure ensure proper positioning, promote muscle strengthening, and encourage natural movement during tummy time.
- Portability: Mimos Play meets all the criteria for a lightweight and portable design, making it easy to use at home or on the go. Additionally, it comes with a special carrying bag for safe transport and storage of the pillow.
How to Use Mimos Play?
Lateral Position
Practice Tummy Time under supervision, DO NOT leave your baby alone in this position. Young babies
may need a supporting hand on the back when positioned on the two pillows.
* The use of the double triangle helps the baby to maintain a position close to the fetal position avoiding
muscular stretching that is very uncomfortable for the newborn and facilitating a comfortable adaptation
to the Tummy Time.
Side Position
For severe skull deformities correction, it’s important to relieve the pressure on the
flat spot of the head and get extra pressure on the non-flat area a minimum of 30
minutes a day. Therefore physiotherapists often use side position exercises in the
treatment plan for skull deformities. This position is significant for babies with
severe skull deformities.
This position can sometimes be tricky since the baby easily can roll over to the
stomach; Mimos® Play helps the baby to stay in this position with back and front
support.
Side position usually is in the treatment plan until the baby starts to roll over by
herself; the average age range for the baby to roll over is between 3-9 months.
"The sooner an infant begins spending time on their tummy, the more natural and comfortable this position will feel. For this reason, it’s recommended to introduce tummy time from the very beginning. For instance, a newborn can spend brief periods on their tummy while awake, helping it become an integral part of their daily routine." – Anna Öhman, PT, Ph.D., Pediatric Specialist
- Start with short tummy time sessions in the early days, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets stronger. Begin with just a few minutes at a time and slowly build up to longer periods.
- Use the level suitable for your baby to practice tummy time, spend a minimum of 30 minutes a day in this position, and reach 1 hour a day by three months.
- The stronger the baby gets, the less support is needed.
