Tummy time is a practice that involves placing your awake baby on their stomach for a brief period, and it’s crucial for their natural development. However, tummy time should be done in the right way to maximize its benefits.
Tummy Time: The Right Way for Your Baby
Schedule tummy time appropriately
- Tummy time should only be done when the infant is awake
- Infants should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS
- The ideal time for tummy time is after a diaper change, bath, or nap
- A few minutes of tummy time should be scheduled into the infant’s daily routine
Proper positioning
- Place the infant on their stomach on a clear, flat area like a blanket or mat
- Start with 3-5 minutes for infants younger than 3 months, then increase gradually
- Place a breastfeeding pillow under the baby’s chest to support their arms and shoulders
- Place the pillow on the floor on top of a blanket
Engage your baby
- Use age-appropriate toys, books, or board books to engage your baby
- Place a mirror that can’t break close to your baby so they can see themselves
- Observe your baby’s gaze while holding a toy a few inches away from their head and letting them follow it
Additional activities
- Use an activity gym to encourage exploration and play
- Get close with family members during tummy time
- Read to your baby during tummy time
Tips for a successful tummy time
- Make it more enjoyable by placing a favorite toy or book in front of them
- Use a playmat or activity gym to make it more engaging
- Join in on the tummy time to make it a bonding experience
Conclusion
Tummy time is a crucial activity for infants that should be done in the right way to maximize its benefits. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make tummy time an enjoyable and beneficial experience for both you and your infant.
FAQ
Why is tummy time important for infants?
Tummy time helps develop the muscles necessary for turning over, sitting up, crawling, and walking. It also strengthens the muscles of the neck and shoulders, supports physical development, and prevents flat head syndrome.
How should you do tummy time?
Tummy time should be done on a clear, flat area like a blanket or mat. Place the baby on their stomach over a breastfeeding pillow or other support, and keep an eye on them to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
What are some tummy time activities for infants?
During tummy time, you can use an activity gym to encourage exploration and play, get close with family members, put the baby on a water mat, and observe your baby’s gaze while holding a toy a few inches away from their head and letting them follow it.
What if your infant refuses tummy time?
If your child refuses to do tummy time, you can make it more enjoyable by placing a favorite toy or book in front of them, using a play mat or activity gym to make it more engaging, or joining in on the tummy time to make it a bonding experience.
How often should you do tummy time?
A few minutes of tummy time a day should be scheduled into the infant’s daily routine. Start with three to five minutes for infants younger than three months, and then increase the daily time by a few minutes at a time.
