Hello! Welcome to becoming a new parent and welcoming your little one into this world. Your doctor probably has already told you that your child needs to start critical daily tummy routines. But many questions are unexplained, and you're questioning how to begin. Well, we are here to help! Let us simply break down tummy time for you: 

 

What is tummy time?

Tummy time is laying babies on their stomachs for brief periods while they're awake. It's a meaningful way to help babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles and improve motor skills.

 

When do you start tummy time?

You start right at birth! Try starting with 1-2 minutes in the first few weeks. Then, build up to 10-15 minutes several times a day.

 

Why is tummy time so important?

Tummy time is essential for helping your baby's development; here are some explanations of what it helps with, but there are many more benefits. 

• Newborns and infants 0-12 weeks are developing neck control. Tummy time helps develop the muscles to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk. 
• Newborns with a neck condition called torticollis have tight neck muscles that keep the baby from turning their head. Tummy time encourages babies to look around, and along with exercises, your doctor will show you, can help your baby's neck muscles relax.
• To prevent the flat head syndrome, which happens when babies spend too much time on their backs in the first few months of life. Tummy time helps prevent your baby from developing a flat spot on either side of their head. 
• At 4-7 Months. Your baby should still spend some supervised time on their bellies, even if they can roll over and sit with help. Tummy time helps them practice lifting their head and chest further by straightening their arms. This strengthens the arm, chest, and back muscles.

How to get started:

1. Place safe objects and play toys close to your baby. The High Contrast Art Gallary, the Crinkle Pocket, and the Color Drum are great additions to tummy time once they can move their arms. Move the crinkle pocket from side to side to encourage your baby to move, lift and turn their head and the High Contrast Art Gallary for 5 mins on one side of their body to the other to help prevent the flat head syndrome. 
2. Put a non-breakable mirror next to your baby so that they can see their reflection. Try tummy time in different places, like outdoors, on a blanket.

 

Tummy time might cause your baby to be fussy, but don't worry! Check out this article to learn how to help a fussy baby during tummy time.