Tummy Time
Boot Camp for Babies
Tummy time is one of the best and easiest activities you can do for your baby. Unfortunately tummy time is often not a baby’s favorite position. Tummy time can be a workout because babies are spending more time in baby equipment than on the floor. In addition, back sleepers tend to be less tolerant of tummy time and usually spend much of their waking time on their backs. ‘Back to sleep’ keeps your baby safer at night, but ‘tummy to play’ makes your baby stronger during the day. Who wouldn’t pick lying back on the sofa over doing push-ups? It’s up to you to make the healthy choices for your baby.
Why is tummy time so good for baby?
Tummy time is like going to the gym for your baby, it strengthens their whole body. Tummy time strengthens and stretches their neck muscles, as they lift and turn their heads. This lays the groundwork for your baby’s success with eating solid foods and talking. Tummy time strengthens baby’s diaphragm and other breathing muscles, because their own body acts as the weight or resistance. Stronger breathing muscles have been found to decrease a baby’s risk of SIDS. As babies start pushing up onto their elbows, then to their hands and reaching, tummy time becomes baby boot camp. These ‘push-ups’ make baby’s chest, shoulders, arms, back muscles, and even hands stronger.
All of this strengthening lays the groundwork for later skills, like crawling. Not enough tummy time may result in developmental delays and poor quality motor skills. If that is not enough, tummy time helps ensure a nice round head. Head flattening may be permanent and is linked to higher risk of learning disabilities as well as future self-esteem issues.
When do I start tummy time?
Typically you can start tummy time as soon as your baby’s belly button has healed. Newborns tolerate ‘tummy to tummy’ time the best; use the opportunity to spend a little extra snuggle time. The earlier you begin the easier tummy time will be, but it is never too late to start.
How can I make tummy time easier and more fun?
Tummy time can be challenging, but the more ideas you have to make it easier the more successful your baby will be. ‘Tummy to tummy’ time is great for infants. It is more comfortable and provides some extra bonding time. Supported tummy time is also a great place to start. Make a small towel roll with a hand towel, and place it under baby’s chest to prop baby onto their elbows. Just make sure baby’s elbows are under their shoulders, not in front, this position will make keeping their head up easier. Babies enjoy a little movement; you can offer tummy time across your legs or over an exercise ball. You can even carry your baby on their tummy across your arms as an early moving option. Tummy time flat on the floor is the most challenging, but also the most beneficial.
Waiting at least 30 minutes after a meal will decrease baby’s spit-up risk. Using tummy time for an after-bath infant massage opportunity will also make the position more tolerable. Try a slow open hand sweep, with baby lotion, from baby’s upper to lower back using gentle but firm pressure.
Aside from comfort, choosing the right entertainment is also important. Babies love to look at faces; try face-to-face tummy time with a parent or sibling to keep baby distracted. A mirror or a large baby face picture book will also work. When making fun toy choices, variety will keep baby interested, what worked today may not work tomorrow. Colorful and musical toys are also nice choices, as well as large toys that don’t allow baby to take the toy and roll over to their back to play. There are also activity mats with dangling toys, textures, and mirror options that are perfect for tummy time play.
How often should baby be in tummy time?
Tummy time should be offered every day and more than once. Start slowly, with shorter durations and more frequently, for example 3 minutes 3 to 5x a day. Sneak it in after diaper changes, after a nap, or times baby is likely to be most comfortable. Gently challenge your baby’s tolerance, building time every day. Strive for a total of about an hour of tummy time a day by four months old. The more tummy time baby gets the easier it will be for everyone. As it becomes natural you won’t have to track the time, your baby will choose to play on their tummy without prompting. Remember, tummy time will become effortless as your baby gets stronger. Good luck!