Benefits & Tips of the Side Lying Position for Baby
Have you tried putting baby in the side lying position? This position, where you place baby on their side and support them to stay there, can be a great addition to Tummy Time. Learn more about the benefits of side lying!
See the benefits of the side lying position for your baby’s development. Learn how to practice this position safely to support motor skills and sensory input.
- Side lying helps babies reach and kick more easily, aiding in motor skills development and allowing them to bring their hands to their mouth.
- This position provides sensory input along the body, facilitating rolling practice and enhancing sensory development.
- Similar to Tummy Time, side lying strengthens the core, shoulder, and neck muscles while reducing pressure on the back of the head.
Side lying is a great position for baby to explore, move, and learn about their body.
In this position, it is easier for baby to reach and kick. It also makes it easier for baby to get their hands to their mouth. It also helps baby get their hands together. This helps strengthen vision in midline and strengthen the baby’s sense of midline.
Side lying is a great position to practice rolling.
This also helps get a balance between the muscles that flex (aka bend) the body and those that extend (aka straighten) the body. This helps give baby stability in their core.
Side lying is a great addition to Tummy Time.
Much like Tummy Time, in side lying baby is still working their core, shoulder and neck muscles, and taking pressure off the back of their head. This also helps get a balance between the muscles that flex (bend) the body and those that extend (straighten) the body. This helps give the baby stability in the core.
How can you get baby into the side lying position?
It only takes a light touch to get baby into side lying.
- Place baby on a soft surface on their side.
- If needed, place a rolled up towel or blanket behind baby’s back for support. This will help prop them up in this position.
- If their head needs additional support, you can also put a small folded towel or receiving blanket under their head.
- Make sure baby is comfortable in this position. Usually helping them bend their knees slightly, move their arms in front of them, and bringing their legs forward will help them feel comfortable and at ease.
- Be sure to switch sides during side lying to help prevent torticollis! Try to spend even amounts of time on either side.
When is the best time to do the side lying position?
Similar to Tummy Time, try to find a regular time throughout the day to incorporate side lying into baby’s routine. That could be after a diaper change, after waking up, or after taking a bath. It is best to not do side lying (or Tummy Time) right after feeding or when baby is sleepy.
Learn more about side lying in the below video!
