Welcome to Jessica Marc (Boston U, OTD student & Early Markers Capstone)

 

 As a doctoral student in Occupational Therapy at Boston University, I’ve always been passionate about pediatric care and development. Through my work in diverse pediatric settings—both within healthcare systems and in community spaces, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face in accessing clear, equitable, and developmentally appropriate resources for their children.

One area that stood out to me repeatedly is prone play, otherwise known as “tummy time.” Although widely recommended by pediatricians and therapists, many families don’t receive the education or support they need to implement it effectively at home. This gap sparked a question for me: What’s preventing families from feeling confident about such a fundamental practice?

Listening to Parents, Learning from Reddit

To better understand parent perspectives, I turned to a platform where many caregivers go to seek advice, Reddit. In forums like r/Parenting and r/BabyBumps, I read hundreds of posts where parents expressed confusion, frustration, or simply lack of awareness about prone play. Some were unsure when to start, others didn’t know how to make it engaging, and many admitted they just gave up because their baby "hated it."

What struck me wasn’t just the misunderstandings, it was the tone of isolation. Parents weren’t getting clear information from trusted sources, so they were relying on anecdotal, and sometimes inaccurate, advice online.

Centering Equity and Empowerment

In occupational therapy, we talk a lot about access, not just to care, but to knowledge. Families deserve resources that meet them where they are, respect their cultural values, and fit into their daily routines. My goal became clear: to create approachable, evidence-based educational materials about prone play that any parent could understand and use, regardless of background.

I focused on co-designing content with feedback from clinicians who are also caregivers themselves. I emphasized inclusive language, visual aids, and culturally responsive strategies that normalize the challenges of tummy time while offering flexible, judgment-free solutions.

Why It Matters

Prone play isn’t just about motor development, it’s about confidence. When parents feel equipped and supported, they’re more likely to engage in meaningful play that supports their child’s growth. And when we build resources that truly reflect the needs of diverse families, we’re not just sharing information, we’re building trust.

Looking Ahead

This project is just the beginning. As I continue my doctoral work and grow into my role as a pediatric OT, I remain committed to advancing equity in developmental education. Every family deserves to feel confident in supporting their child, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.