Wakeful Prone “Tummy Time” During Infancy: How Can We Help Parents?

Abstract

AIMS: This study's purpose is to present facilitators and barriers for wakeful prone positioning or "tummy time" during infancy by exploring the personal perspectives of infant caregivers attempting to provide daily tummy time. METHODS: The study was qualitative in design, using thematic analysis to identify major and minor themes from semi-structured interviews. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behavior Model provided a conceptual framework for the interview guide and categorization of major themes. RESULTS: Within capability, opportunity, and motivation, the major themes of self-efficacy, scheduling, variations, siblings, committed adult help, social responses of acquaintances, and caregiver enjoyment could be barriers or facilitators, depending on the context. Optimized physical circumstances, caregiver interest, perceived benefits to the infant, pride and accomplishment, and obligation were identified as facilitators only. Barriers included negative infant affect. CONCLUSIONS: These results offer preliminary guidance in a knowledge gap: tummy time support that addresses the self-identified concerns of infant caregivers.