Therapy-based strategies to support tummy time in infants post-hospital discharge: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Tummy time is essential for infant development, yet many caregivers face significant challenges with adherence due to behavioral and contextual barriers. While numerous tummy time interventions exist, a limited understanding of their behavioral components hinders effective replication and implementation. This scoping review aims to identify multidisciplinary interventions used to promote tummy time in infants aged 0–12 months, evaluate their impact on adherence, developmental and health outcomes, and examine the behavior change techniques employed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, a comprehensive search will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature sources for relevant studies published in English between January 1994 and January 2025. Eligible studies will include experimental research involving infants aged 0–12 months who received targeted tummy time interventions following hospital discharge across various early intervention settings. Data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers using a customized tool, with results presented as a narrative summary, tabular form, or diagrams, as appropriate. Findings from this review will inform the development of behaviorally grounded, clinically feasible tummy time strategies that are better aligned with caregiver needs.