As a new parent, there’s a lot to think about.
From feeding schedules, nappy changes, and getting enough sleep.
But have you heard about tummy time?
This simple activity might not seem like much.
But it’s essential for your baby’s growth and development.
Let’s explore why it’s so important.
What Is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is when you place your baby on their stomach while they’re awake.
During this time, make sure you’re watching them closely.
It’s a small action with big benefits.
Tummy time can help your baby strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, and back.
These muscles are crucial for achieving milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.
According to research, babies who regularly practice tummy time develop better motor skills, which is essential for their growth.
The Benefits of Tummy Time
Tummy time is an important part of your babies’ early development.
And the benefits of it go beyond just physical growth.
It also supports sensory development, head control, and helps prevent flat head syndrome.
Let’s see how tummy time can make a significant difference in your baby’s growth and wellbeing.
Motor Skills
Tummy time is a key activity that supports the development of motor skills.
These include upper body and core strength as well as coordination and balance.
During tummy time, your baby uses their arms to push up and lift their head.
The effort to maintain balance on their tummy helps your baby develop core muscles, which are crucial for stability and posture.
Core strength supports activities like sitting without support and transitioning from sitting to crawling.
As your baby shifts their weight and adjusts their posture, they improve their overall coordination and balance.
A study highlights that babies who get enough tummy time often reach these milestones earlier.
Sensory Development
Tummy time isn’t just about physical strength; it also contributes to your baby’s sensory development.
When your baby lies on their tummy, they experience the world from a different perspective.
They feel different textures beneath them and see things from a lower angle.
They also have the opportunity to move their head and arms in ways they can’t when lying on their back.
This new way of experiencing their surroundings is crucial for building hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
According to NHS, this sensory input is essential for your baby’s cognitive development.
As they grow, these early sensory experiences help them understand how their body moves through space.
This is important for tasks like reaching, grasping, and eventually walking.
Head Control
When your baby lifts their head during tummy time, they’re developing muscles.
These muscles help them control their head.
This is a key step toward sitting up, eating solid foods, and even speaking.
Furthermore, early head control is essential for a baby’s vision and ability to explore their surroundings.
As they lift and turn their head, they are developing the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles needed to hold their head steady.
Prevents Flat Head Syndrome
Another reason why tummy time is so important is that it helps prevent flat head syndrome.
It’s also known as positional plagiocephaly.
Flat head syndrome happens when a baby’s head develops a flat spot due to them lying in the same position for too long.
It’s important to note that babies spend a lot of time on their backs (especially while sleeping).
Because of that, their soft heads can flatten if they’re not given enough time on their tummies.
How to Do Tummy Time: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tummy time is easy to start.
As mentioned earlier, it can help your baby’s overall development.
Just a few minutes of tummy time a couple of times a day can make a big difference.
Even so, what if your baby doesn’t enjoy tummy time?
We’ve got you, it’s common for babies to resist tummy time, especially at first.
But with a few tricks, these simple guidelines can help them get used to tummy time and enjoy it.
Step 1: Start with the Right Setup
To get started, find a comfortable and flat surface for your baby to lie on.
Lay out a playmat or a soft blanket on the floor.
Make sure the area is clean and free of any objects that could pose a hazard.
You can use a small pillow or a rolled-up towel under your baby’s chest for added support.
This is especially advisable for newborns who might struggle to lift their heads.
Most importantly, always remember to supervise your baby during tummy time to ensure their safety.
Research advises that tummy time should never be done when your baby is asleep. Doing so can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Step 2: Position Your Baby
For newborns (0-3 months), start by laying your baby on their tummy on your chest or lap.
This position helps them feel secure while they get used to the sensation of being on their tummy.
At this stage, their neck muscles are still developing, so they may only be able to lift their head briefly.
According to the AAP, newborns should begin with short tummy time sessions.
You can start just 3-5 minutes a few times a day.
Then, gradually increase the duration as they get stronger.
For older babies (3-6 months), place them directly on the playmat or blanket on the floor.
By this age, they should have better head control and may start to push up on their forearms.
You may also start increasing their daily tummy time sessions to 15-30 minutes.
The AAP recommends older babies to get at least 30 minutes of tummy time action daily.
So, parents, make sure your baby is getting their exercises on!
Step 3: Make It Fun and Engaging
To keep your baby entertained during tummy time, try to engage with them at their level.
Lie down in front of them, make eye contact, and talk or sing to them.
Babies love seeing their parents’ faces.
And your presence can motivate them to lift their heads and interact.
Research states that a mother’s presence can make babies feel safe.
This suggests that face-to-face interaction during tummy time can make the experience less intimidating and more enjoyable for your baby.
You can also introduce toys, textured fabrics, or even a small, safe mirror to keep your baby interested.
For older babies, place toys slightly out of reach to encourage them to stretch and reach forward.
It can simultaneously help in promoting their motor development.
Step 4: Adjust the Duration and Frequency
Since we already know the recommended tummy time durations, adjust them accordingly to your babies preferences.
Newborns may only manage a few minutes of tummy time at first, but that’s okay.
Try to aim for multiple short sessions throughout the day.
Then, gradually build up to 20-30 minutes by the time they are 3-4 months old.
For older babies, longer sessions of 10-15 minutes can be done several times a day.
Here’s a tip! If your baby gets fussy during tummy time, it’s okay to stop and try again later.
The key is consistency, not forcing them to stay in the position if they’re uncomfortable.
The Dos and Don’ts of Tummy Time
Tummy time is an essential activity for your baby’s development.
Nevertheless, like any new experience, it can come with challenges.
So, to help you and your baby get the most out of it, it’s important to know what works best and what to avoid.
Here are some quick tips to make tummy time successful.
Dos
1. Do Supervise at All Times
Always keep an eye on your baby during tummy time.
Supervision is crucial to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable.
This also allows you to interact with them, making the experience more enjoyable.
Being close by means you can quickly adjust your baby’s position if they seem uncomfortable or frustrated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that supervision is essential to prevent any accidental suffocation or discomfort during tummy time.
2. Do Make It a Routine
Incorporate tummy time into your daily schedule.
The earlier you start, the easier it becomes for your baby to get used to it.
Try adding tummy time after naps or diaper changes when your baby is alert and happy.
Consistency helps your baby build strength gradually, turning tummy time into a normal part of their day.
3. Do Use Toys and Props
Place colourful toys or a mirror in front of your baby during tummy time.
This encourages them to lift their head and engage more actively.
Simple objects like soft balls or a rattle can make tummy time more fun.
As your baby grows, you can increase the challenge by placing toys slightly out of reach to motivate them to stretch and reach.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Start Right After a Meal
Avoid tummy time immediately after feeding to prevent discomfort and spitting up.
Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding before beginning tummy time.
A full stomach can make the activity uncomfortable and lead to unnecessary fussiness.
2. Don’t Force It if Your Baby Is Fussy
If your baby is upset, stop and try again later.
Tummy time should be a positive experience, not a stressful one.
Forcing tummy time when your baby is tired or cranky can create negative associations.
Instead, try again when they’re more relaxed and content.
This helps build a positive routine that your baby will look forward to.
3. Don’t Compare Progress
Every baby develops at their own pace.
Don’t worry if your baby isn’t spending as much time on their tummy as another baby.
Babies reach milestones at different rates.
As long as you’re consistent with tummy time, your baby will progress at the pace that’s right for them.
If you have concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult with your paediatrician.
Recognising Your Baby’s Progress
Tummy time is a crucial activity that helps your baby develop the strength and motor skills.
These skills are needed for future milestones like rolling, sitting and crawling.
But how does tummy time progress as your baby grows?
Here’s a guide to what you can expect during tummy time, along with the milestones your baby will achieve along the way.
Newborn to 1 Month: Laying the Foundation
At this early stage, your baby is still adjusting to the world outside the womb.
During tummy time, you might notice them trying to lift their head.
Although it will be just a slight movement, at this age, babies have limited neck strength.
So, don’t worry if they don’t seem to do much during tummy time.
The goal here is simply to get them used to being on their stomach.
2 to 3 Months: Gaining Strength
By the time your baby is 2 to 3 months old, they should be spending more time on their tummy.
You’ll likely notice them lifting their head and holding it up for a few seconds.
This is a significant improvement from their newborn days.
By three months, most babies can lift their head to a 45-degree angle and hold it steady.
They may also start pushing up on their forearms, lifting their chest slightly off the ground.
The AAP recommends gradually increasing tummy time as your baby’s muscles get stronger.
4 to 5 Months: Getting Ready to Roll
At 4 to 5 months, your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles are much stronger.
They’ll be able to start lift their head and chest higher off the ground.
This is the stage where many babies start to roll from their tummy to their back.
Rolling is a sign that your baby’s core muscles are developing.
This is essential for sitting and crawling later on.
6 Months: Pushing Up and Preparing to Crawl
By six months, tummy time has helped your baby develop strong arm, chest, and back muscles.
Many babies can now push up onto their hands and knees, the precursor to crawling.
You might see them starting to rock back and forth.
Doing so, helps them build the balance needed for crawling.
Some babies may even start army crawling by pulling themselves forward with their arms.
A study states that babies who get plenty of tummy time are often quicker to reach crawling and other motor milestones.
Tummy Time is a Joyful Part of Your Baby’s Day
Tummy time might seem like a small part of your baby’s day.
However, it plays a big role in their growth.
It’s about helping them get stronger.
As you’re preventing flat head syndrome and preparing them for all the exciting milestones to come.
By making it a regular, enjoyable activity, you’re giving your baby a strong start in life.
So, grab a blanket and get down on the floor.
Start making tummy time a fun bonding experience for both of you!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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