The importance of prone time in the healthy musculoskeletal development of infants

The effect of infant positioning on the neck, back and lower limb muscle activity (2-6 months) was explored. Surface EMG data while lying prone was compared to lying supine, held in arms, in a baby carrier, and in a car seat. Infants exhibited significantly lower muscle activity in the car seat, compared to prone, for all muscle groups. Erector spinae and quadriceps activity were significantly higher in the prone conditions compared to all other conditions. Our results indicate that infants’ musculoskeletal development may be impacted by inadequate exposure to prone time and prolonged periods of time spent in container type devices such as car seats.