Caregiver awareness of prone play recommendations.

We examined caregiver awareness of the American Academy of Pediatrics' prone play recommendation, determined the primary sources of the recommendation, and examined why some infants are not provided "tummy time." Of caregivers, 25% were not aware of prone play recommendations, and one-fourth of that group was not aware of potential complications from limited tummy time. The primary sources of prone play information and potential complications were printed materials, then pediatricians. Of infants, 53% received < or = 30 min; 35% were intolerant of the prone position. This study indicates that many caregivers are not aware of tummy time and complications that can occur if it is not provided. Health care professionals, including therapists, must educate parents on the importance of prone play and provide information on how to increase infant tolerance for prone play time.