The truth is that laying your baby on the tummy while awake and under supervision is known as tummy time and should be practised by children.
As mentioned, it aids in helping them develop neck, shoulder, and back muscles that are needed for other activities such as rolling over, sitting up and crawling, and walking.
Do not let your tiny newborn begin the process; by making it fun, you can gradually start giving your child tummy time. Tummy time for a newborn is an essential aspect of development; in this guide, everything you need to know will be outlined.
Why is Tummy Time Important?
benefits:
- Strengthens Muscles: It also strengthens the neck, shoulders, back and abdominal muscles, essential for developing motor skills.
- Promotes Motor Skills: It assists babies in the coordination and strength that would help them to roll over, sit, crawl and finally walk.
- Prevents Flat Spots: Excessive time on the back may result in positional plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome. It softens the effect of pressure on the back of the head during Tummy time.
- Enhances Sensory Development: It offers another worldview and helps develop their feelings of touch and balance.
- Improves Head Control: This way, it assists a baby to hold and control its head, which is helpful in every technique, from looking around to social interaction.
When to Start Tummy Time
Tummy time can start with a newborn baby right from when you bring the baby home from the hospital. Begin slowly and have the sessions short at first. There is no need to wait until the umbilical cord just drops off. It is essential, but handle it carefully and not step on that area again.
How to Introduce Tummy Time
Here are some practical ways to introduce tummy time to your newborn:
Chest-to-Chest Tummy Time:
This is a great way to start. Lay flat on your back (you can do this on your couch or a bed with pillows under your head and shoulder area) and put your baby on your chest, tummy side up. This allows contact with the baby and can partly comfort the baby or small child on your lap. You can speak, sing or even make eye contact with them when talking with them.
Lap Tummy Time:
Have your baby across your lap, lying face down, while you sit in a chair; ensure your child’s head is well supported. Suggest they walk back, put their hand on their back, or just tell them to talk.
Tummy Time on a Firm Surface:
If you would like to cover your baby’s head to prevent her from potentially getting in danger or getting bored, it is convenient to do so when the baby is a little older. If she is around a few weeks old, you can place your baby on a firm surface, such as a play mat or blanket on the floor. Ender always ensures the surface is clean from obstacles before he begins.
Making Tummy Time Enjoyable
Here are some tips to make tummy time a positive experience for your baby:
Start Small and Build Gradually:
Initially, start with the sessions lasting for a minute or two, thrice or twice daily. Gradually increase the duration to improve your baby’s strength each day they are growing up. They should be doing about an hour of tummy time spread out over the day at three months.
Choose the Right Time:
Do not put your baby on his tummy right after the meal because this makes him spit up a lot. The best times are when your baby is awake and receptive, happy and enjoying their feeding.
Use Toys and Entertainment:
To help your baby lift their head and grab, put toys within the little one’s reach. High-contrast toys, mirrors and soft books are ideal.
Get Down on Their Level:
Stay alongside your baby to encourage and support them during copies of tummy time. This helps them get some eyesight and also allows them to lift their head to be able to see you.
Make it Interactive:
Aside from talking to the baby, singing to them or making funny faces is essential.
Be Patient and Encouraging:
Due to this, some babies may not appreciate tummy time at first as it may be challenging for them. Be patient and keep trying. They will only become stronger and more comfortable with the area the more often they do it.
Addressing Some of the Typical Tummy Time Concerns
Baby Hates Tummy Time
If your baby cries or fusses during tummy time, just do not stop – try to continue as planned. Perhaps it is advisable to reduce the duration of the sessions and then gradually increase them. You can also change positions and use toys to divert their attention.
Baby Keeps Spitting Up
Suppose your baby spits up often while in the tummy; it might be best to wait sometime after feeding before placing them on their tummy. You can also attempt to raise their chest a little higher by placing a rolled-up towel under their chest and arms.
Baby Doesn’t Lift Their Head
As for the motor skills, the head control is not established early – it takes time to develop. Praise them by putting toys just in front of them or squatting beside them. You can also try to have them lie on their chest alongside a rolled-up towel or a small pillow.
Tummy Time Milestones
As your baby gets more substantial, you’ll notice them achieving different milestones during tummy time:
- Newborn to 1 Month: May only look up to the side, lift the head from the body, and tilt it from right to left.
- 2 Months: Range from being able to lift their head off the bed to hold it for several seconds.
- 3 Months: They hold or support their head and upper chest with arms while the head and chest also have some weight on them.
- 4-6 Months: Push up on their hands with straight arms while crawling and may begin to crawl or rollover.
Safety Precautions
- Always Supervise: Avoid putting your baby down unattended while placing them on their tummy.
- Firm Surface: Never lay your baby on a cushioned or soft surface because this can suffocate the baby. Pregnant women should avoid lying down or sitting on soft products such as pillows or water beds.
- Clear the Area: For toddlers, avoid using toys, clothes or blankets that have small parts or can easily cover the infant’s face and suffocate them.
- Awake and Alert: If your baby is awake and you can supervise your baby, then you can allow the baby to do tummy time. Never lay a baby down on its stomach, especially now that there are cases of sudden infant death syndrome.
Tummy Time Alternatives
If your baby refuses tummy time on the floor, here are some alternatives:
- Carrying: Holding your baby in a standing position where the baby lies at the back facing you while you walk around also has the same benefits.
- Lap Time: Laying your baby’s tummy across your lap is one of the best ways to ease your child into tummy time.
Key Takeaways
Why the baby needs tummy time: Tummy time is one of the most critical activities your newborn needs to have regularly. To help the baby promote the development of strength and motor skills and avoid flat spots, ensure that sessions are initiated early and that the duration of the sessions is gradually increased.
Just be sure not to rush your buddy, be motivating, and make it a fun exercise for both of you. If you have any issues regarding the development of your baby, you should seek the opinion of your baby’s doctor.
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