Tummy Time for Babies – When and How? – Benefits
Tummy-time, as the name suggests, is when the baby is placed on his/her tummy. Mostly, a baby spends his time sleeping, and a baby should always sleep on his back – never deviate from this rule. Tummy time needs to be given when the baby is awake and must be made part of the baby’s daily routine.
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Benefits of Tummy Time
Tummy time helps your infant build strength in his back, legs, arms, head, and neck, and overall upper body muscles.
1. Boosts gross motor skills – rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking!
2. Engages lesser-used muscle groups.
3. Prevents flat head syndrome – caused by sleeping in the same position.
4. Helps baby master head control.
5. Gives relief from gas pain.
6. Exposes baby to a different environment.
Best time to give tummy time
Pick times when your baby is fed, contented, and alert. A hungry or grizzly baby’s mood will not be improved by this strange, new experience. After 40 minutes of breastfeeding or formula feeding.
When to start tummy time?
1. Babies born at full term with no health issues can start tummy time as soon as their first day home from the hospital.
2. After the umbilical cord falls down.
3. As soon as you are comfortable and familiar with handling your baby’s tiny body.
So long as you and your newborn are both awake and alert and you or another caregiver are there to supervise.
How much tummy time does my baby need?
Begin with 3 to 5 minutes per session, working up to a total of 40 to 60 minutes daily. Aim for around 20 to 30 minutes a day of baby tummy time by the time he is 3 or 4 months old. Then keep the practice up until the baby can roll over on his own, a feat many babies accomplish around 6 or 7 months of age. Tummy Time can be done in short sessions throughout the day, based on your baby’s tolerance and needs.
Procedure to follow for tummy time
A great way to carry out Tummy Time is to place your baby on your stomach or chest while you are awake and in a reclined position on a chair, bed, or floor. This is also a great way to begin Tummy Time with a newborn.
When playing with your child in this position, make sure he is on a low, solid surface, so he doesn’t risk rolling off of a couch or bed. Putting Baby on the floor on top of a blanket is the best bet for your child’s safety. Also, if you have other children or pets, make sure your littlest one is safely out of their (and harm’s) way.
How to make tummy time enjoyable?
1. Hold a toy or arrange it around the baby – encourage your baby to lift his head and reach.
2. Sit or lie down in front of baby and sing, coo, or tell a story
3. Get your whole family involved.
4. Place a mirror or activity mat on the floor underneath your baby
When is tummy time not a good idea?
If your baby has reflux, tummy time may be uncomfortable for him. Speak to your GP or health visitor for advice about ways to make tummy time more comfortable. Babies with heart conditions need to be closely monitored when they’re on their tummies. If you’re not sure whether or not it’s safe for your little one to be on her tummy, ask your doctor.
What if my baby doesn’t like being on his tummy?
Some babies don’t like being on their tummy at first. Being in this new position can be a strange experience for him.
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