Tummy time, the practice of placing a baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised, is essential for healthy development in infants. According to resources from Royal Children’s Hospital, Raising Children Network, and KidsHealth, tummy time offers several crucial benefits that help shape a baby’s physical and cognitive development.
The Purpose of Tummy Time
Tummy time is designed to help babies develop crucial physical skills that lay the foundation for future milestones. When babies are placed on their stomachs, they engage and strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, and back. This muscular development is vital for various motor skills, including rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.
Benefits of Tummy Time
1. Strengthens Muscles: Tummy time helps babies develop the muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, and back. This is critical for achieving motor milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling. As babies push up, lift their heads, and eventually support their weight on their arms, they build the strength necessary for these movements.
2. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome: Spending time on their stomach helps reduce the risk of positional plagiocephaly, commonly known as flat head syndrome. When babies are consistently placed on their backs to sleep, their heads can develop flat spots. Tummy time provides a necessary change in position, promoting a more rounded head shape.
3. Enhances Sensory Development: During tummy time, babies experience new sensations and perspectives. This practice stimulates their sensory development, helping them learn about their environment and how their bodies move in space. The varied angles and experiences they gain while on their tummy contribute to better visual and tactile development.
4. Encourages Interaction: Tummy time provides opportunities for babies to interact with caregivers. Engaging with a baby during tummy time by talking, singing, or playing helps build social and emotional bonds, making the experience enjoyable and interactive.
5. Promotes Cognitive Skills: As babies explore their surroundings from a new vantage point, they develop problem-solving skills and curiosity. This exploration encourages cognitive development and helps babies understand cause and effect as they interact with toys and objects.
When Should You Start Tummy Time?
You can begin tummy time for your baby just a day or two after birth. Start with two or three short sessions each day, lasting 3 to 5 minutes each. As your baby grows and becomes more comfortable, you can gradually extend the duration and increase the frequency of tummy time throughout the day.
Tummy Time for Babies with Torticollis or Flat Spots
This exercise is especially beneficial for babies with torticollis or flat spots on their heads and can assist in addressing both issues:
Gently lay your baby on your lap during tummy time, ensuring their head is turned away from you. As you talk or sing to your little one, encourage them to turn their head and face you. Engage in this exercise for 10–15 minutes, providing a comforting and interactive experience while promoting healthier head positioning and muscle development.
5 Tummy Time Activities for Busy Mums
1. Tummy Time on a Tummy Time Mat: Invest in a colorful, cushioned tummy time mat with various textures and patterns. Place your baby on the mat during daily activities like watching TV or cooking. The mat’s vibrant colors and textures can capture your baby’s attention, making tummy time more engaging without requiring additional effort from you.
2. Mirror Play: Place a baby-safe mirror in front of your baby during tummy time. Babies are often fascinated by their reflection and the sight of a familiar face. This simple setup can be easily integrated into your daily routine and keeps your baby entertained while strengthening their neck and shoulder muscles.
3. Tummy Time on a Nursing Pillow: If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, use a nursing pillow to prop your baby up during tummy time. This allows your baby to be on their tummy while you’re comfortably seated, making it easier to fit tummy time into your routine.
4. Interactive Play with Toys: Place a few soft, colorful toys just out of reach of your baby during tummy time. Toys that make noise or have different textures can encourage your baby to reach and push up, helping to develop motor skills. This activity can be easily incorporated into your baby’s playtime without requiring much preparation.
5. Family Time on the Floor: Incorporate tummy time into family activities by laying on the floor with your baby. Engage in activities like reading a book together or having a chat. This not only provides your baby with the tummy time they need but also promotes bonding with you.
What Else Should I Know?
A few important guidelines to keep in mind:
• Always Supervise: Stay with your baby during tummy time to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Safe Sleep Practices: Always place your baby on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Choose a Safe Surface: Perform tummy time on a firm, flat surface like a play mat or blanket. Avoid soft surfaces such as sofas or beds where your baby could roll off or be at risk of suffocation from pillows.
Integrating tummy time into your daily routine can be manageable and beneficial with a bit of creativity. By understanding its importance and utilizing simple activities, you can support your baby’s development and ensure they reach their physical milestones with ease.
Here are some supportive videos to assist you on your tummy time journey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usv1Q3Z8F_Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3rCtW9DMD4
