Why Tummy Time Matters Beyond Infancy: Surprising Benefits for Toddlers in Sport

Insights and recommendations in this article have been provided by Carmen Dodds – Ready Steady Go Kids’ own Paediatric Occupational Therapist.

Most mums breathe a sigh of relief when their little one starts rolling over and sitting up independently. Finally, no more worrying about tummy time! But here's the thing – just because your toddler can move around doesn't mean they should stop spending time on their belly. In fact, that's when some of the most exciting developmental benefits really kick in.

If you've ever watched a Ready Steady Go Kids class, you've probably seen kids lying on their tummies doing shot put throws during Athletics, crawling through tunnels, or doing other floor-based activities. While it might look like simple play, there's serious developmental magic happening beneath the surface. These tummy time and floor activities are mainly used in our Get Ready, toddler classes.

Why Most Parents Stop Tummy Time Too Early

Let's be honest – once your child can crawl, walk, and basically launch themselves off every piece of furniture in your house, tummy time feels a bit redundant. You're busy enough trying to keep up with their newfound mobility without adding another activity to your mental load.

But here's what most parents don't realise: the benefits of prone positioning (fancy term for lying on the belly) don't stop at 12 months. In fact, for toddlers getting into sport and physical activities, tummy time becomes even more valuable.

The Core Strength Connection

When your toddler lies on their tummy, they're essentially doing a mini core workout without even knowing it. Every time they lift their head, reach for something, or push up from the ground, they're engaging deep stabilising muscles that form the foundation for athletic movement.

Think about it – in our Ready Steady Go Kids Athletics classes, when children lie on their tummies to practice shot put throws, they're not just learning throwing technique. They're building the core stability needed for proper form, balance, and power generation. That same core strength translates to better running posture, improved balance on playground equipment, and stronger kicks in our Soccer sessions.

Research shows that toddlers who regularly spend time in prone positions develop better postural control and core strength compared to those who don't. This isn't just about looking good – it's about injury prevention and athletic performance as they grow.

Upper Body and Shoulder Power

Remember when your baby first started pushing up during tummy time? That same muscle development continues to be crucial for toddlers, but now it serves a different purpose entirely.

Strong shoulders and upper body muscles are essential for throwing, climbing, and pretty much every sport your child might try. When toddlers spend time on their bellies – whether it's crawling through obstacle courses, doing floor exercises, or simply playing on the ground – they're building the shoulder girdle strength that will serve them well in cricket and beyond.

The Balance and Coordination Factor

Here's where things get really interesting. When children spend time on their tummies, they're not just building strength – they're developing their vestibular system, which is basically the body's internal GPS for balance and spatial awareness.

This system is crucial for athletic performance. It's what helps your child stay upright while running, coordinate their movements during a game of Soccer, or maintain balance while riding a bike. The prone position naturally challenges and strengthens this system in ways that sitting or standing simply can't match.

During our Multi-Sport classes, we incorporate plenty of floor-based activities specifically because we know how valuable they are for developing these fundamental movement skills. When children army crawl under obstacles or do bear walks, they're building the foundation for complex athletic movements they'll use later in life.

The Visual-Motor Development Bonus

Here's something most parents don't consider: when children are on their tummies looking at and reaching for objects, they're developing crucial eye-hand coordination skills. This isn't just about catching and throwing – it's about the precise coordination needed for writing, using tools, and performing skilled movements in sport.

In our classes, we often place targets or objects for children to reach while in prone positions. This dual-task challenge – maintaining the position while reaching accurately – builds the kind of visual-motor integration that translates to better performance in sports requiring precision, like Tennis or Cricket.

How to Sneak More Tummy Time into Your Toddler's Day

The good news is that you don't need to make this another item on your already overwhelming parenting to-do list. Here are some simple ways to incorporate beneficial prone positioning:

Floor Play: Encourage board games, puzzles, or colouring while lying on tummies. Your child won't even realise they're building core strength.

TV Time: Instead of the couch, try watching shows while lying on the floor on their bellies. Just make sure the screen is at the right height to avoid neck strain.

Outdoor Activities: Picnics, cloud watching, or simply lying in the grass all provide natural opportunities for prone positioning.

Active Play: Games like "superman" flying or yoga poses like cobra all engage the same muscle groups.

The Long-Term Athletic Payoff

The toddler who regularly spends time on their tummy today is building the foundation for athletic success tomorrow. Strong core muscles, stable shoulders, good balance, and coordinated movement patterns don't develop overnight – they're built through consistent, appropriate challenges over time.

When your child starts playing organised sport, their coaches will notice the difference. Kids with strong foundational movement skills learn sport-specific techniques faster, have fewer injuries, and generally enjoy physical activity more because they feel competent and confident in their bodies.

Making the Connection

Next time you're at a Ready Steady Go Kids class and see your child lying on their tummy for an activity, remember that there's serious developmental work happening. What looks like simple play is actually building the physical foundation your child will use for the rest of their active life.

The beauty of our multi-sport approach is that we incorporate these beneficial activities naturally into fun, engaging classes. Your child gets stronger and more coordinated without it feeling like exercise – because at this age, development should absolutely be fun.

So don't feel guilty about letting your toddler spend time on the floor. In fact, encourage it. Those moments of "tummy time" – whether they're happening during structured sport classes or free play at home – are investment in your child's athletic future.

Ready to see these benefits in action? Find a Ready Steady Go Kids class near you and watch your preschooler build strength, coordination, and confidence while having an absolute ball.