Tummy Time
Babies often have a variety of different reactions to spending time on their tummies. Some babies love it, some are indifferent, and others absolutely hate it. However, tummy time is crucial in that it allows our babies to strengthen specific muscles and develop certain skills. In this blog I’m going to be discussing the benefits and the do’s and don’ts of tummy time.
What is Tummy Time and Why is it Important?
Mama, think of tummy time as your baby’s very first workout. Tummy time is placing your baby on their stomach and then allowing them to play. This is crucial to hep your baby strengthen the muscles in their neck to help them lift the head of the ground.
Tummy time also assists your baby in strengthening their back, shoulder and core muscles all crucial for the ability to sit and crawl at a later stage. It also helps to prevent your baby from developing flat spots on the back of their head and promotes their sensory development as they have a better view of the world around them.
When should I start tummy time and how long should my baby spend on their tummy?
Tummy time can start as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital. However, the goal is to get your baby used to tummy time by introducing it to them in small increments.
Starting with a few minutes and different intervals during the day until it becomes apart of your baby’s everyday routine. Encourage your baby to spend up to one hour on their tummy a day split over shorter sessions during the day. As your baby gets older you can increase the amount of time they spend on their tummy. See below for more specific advice pertaining to your babies age.
VERY IMPORTANT – never put your baby to sleep on their tummy, this is a significant risk factor for SIDS, remember “Back to sleep, Tummy to Play.”
How do I do Tummy Time?
Birth to 3 Months
During this time we want to focus on getting your baby used to Tummy Time. Start only a few minutes at a time, a few times a day. You can aim for about 15 to 30 minutes of total tummy time a day by the time your baby is 3 months old.
- Lap soothe – Lie your baby face down across your lap when holding or burping them. You can place your other hand on their bum to help provide them with deep pressure and comfort.
- Eye level smile – Encourage eye contact with your baby by getting down to their level. When your baby is still very your you can roll a soft blanket and place it under their chest for support.
- Tummy to tummy – have you baby lie on your chest so that he/she is face to face with you. Ensure you hold you baby firmly to ensure their safety.
- Tummy down carry – place one hand between the legs and stomach and use your other hand to support your baby’s head and neck. Hold your baby close to your body for support and comfort.
3 Months
Between the ages of 3 and 6 months we want to encourage spending up to 1 hour of Tummy Time a day split over several sessions during the day.
- Place your baby on a towel, blanket or playmat.
- Use toys to encourage head lifting and visual tracking.
- Encourage tummy time after bath time and nappy changes so that it becomes part of your routine.
6 Months
By now, your baby should be able to spend an hour on their tummy, and the goal of tummy time is to continue strengthening your babies’ neck and trunk to get them ready for independent sitting and crawling.
- Baby push-ups – You can place your baby on their tummy and then give them gentle lifting cues by placing your hands under their chest and tummy. This will encourage them to push up onto their hands for brief periods of time.
- Reach and roll play – Encourage your baby to roll and move while on their tummy by using a favorite toy to motivate them to reach and roll over.
And mama, remember to make tummy time fun! Some tips to help make it fun include:
- Singing songs
- Playing peek-a-boo
- Using your child’s favourite toys
- Incorporate mirrors – babies LOVE mirrors!
- Practice tummy time when your baby is at their happiest.
Remember that every bit of tummy time counts and that no moment spent on their tummy is ever wasted!
