THerapeutic TummyTIME!™ and TUmmyTIME!™ Classes 

Does your baby hate tummy time?  Have you given it up, despite your pediatrician's recommendations?  Then this class is for you and your wee lad or lass. TummyTime!™ is a therapeutic program designed to "teach" your baby (or rather condition your baby's nervous system) to feel safe and comfortable in tummy time.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants practice tummy time daily.  Quality tummy time facilitates infant development and prevents less than optimal flattening of the head (brachicephaly and plagiocephaly), among a host of other benefits. ​

What is TummyTIME!™

      TummyTime! is a therapeutic program designed to: 
  • Help babies meet developmental benchmarks by optimizing gross and fine motor development. Tummy time is the first step in the natural progression to crawling, pulling independently to stand, cruising and walking
  • Unwind structural in utero patterns of tension
  • Strengthen babies' self-regulatory autonomic nervous system ("rest and digest" vs. "fight or flight" mechanisms)
  • Improve gastrointestinal function, speed gastric emptying
  • Reduce gas and reflux
  • Improve breastfeeding latch
  • Facilitates suck/swallow/breathe coordination
  • Create optimal tongue mobility and oral function for babies with tongue-tie (or ankyloglossia)
  • Address head turning preferences and torticollis
  • Help to treat plagiocephaly and brachiocephaly (ensuring optimal head shape)
  • Counteract the structural tension patterns caused by our "container culture" associated with developmental delay (baby going from car seat to swing, to bouncy chair, etc.)
  • Facilitate sensory input
  • Promote visual development
  • Promote vestibular development
  • Improve attachment and bonding
  • Teach the secrets to a baby's enjoyment of tummy time (as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics)
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TummyTime!™ is a trademarked program created by Michelle Emanuel, a Neonatal/Pediatric Occupational Therapist with a special focus in posture, movement, and connection between parents and baby. Please see www.tummytimemethod.com for more information. 

Class information:
Currently only offering therapeutic TummyTime!™ and bodywork in one-on-one sessions. 
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Contact sararileylmt@comcast.net to host a private class. Must have a minimum of 6 parent/baby pairs.
​Class prices: $25 per class, $80 for a four-class series if paid in advance
Class length: 45 minutes
Please call, email, or text (401) 255-2951 to determine availability.
Please bring a baby (newborn to pre-crawling), a blanket, and a favorite toy for older babies.

Frequently asked Questions: 
Q:  How old does my baby need to be to participate?
A:  Newborn to pre-crawling, though I typically recommend "babymooning" during the first two weeks.  During this time, the best tummy time is on Mom!
Q:  What happens during class?
A:  We practice tummy time, baby massage, and calming relaxation techniques.
Q:  Do I need to bring anything to class?
A:  Yes, a baby and a blanket.  Older babies may enjoy a baby-safe mirror or toys. 
Q:  What if my baby doesn't like tummy time?  
A:  TummyTime! teaches the secrets to a baby enjoying tummy time, and the babies who have difficulty in tummy time are often the ones who would most benefit.
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