Help your baby achieve developmental milestones by introducing tummy time. Learn when to begin incorporating tummy time into your routine and how frequently to practice it.
With the focus often on laying babies to sleep on their backs, the significance of tummy time can sometimes be overlooked. Those initial wiggles and attempts at lifting during tummy time play a crucial role in a baby’s development by preventing flat spots on the back of their head and preparing them for milestones like rolling over and crawling. If you’re new to parenting and unsure about tummy time, we’re here to provide answers to all your questions. When should you start tummy time, and how frequently should babies engage in it? Keep reading to discover all you need to know about this essential developmental activity.
What Does Tummy Time Mean?
When discussing tummy time, what are we referring to exactly? Simply put, tummy time is exactly as it sounds – the time when a baby is placed on their stomach while awake and under supervision. This position prompts the baby to raise their head, enhancing the strength of their head, neck, and shoulder muscles, and improving their motor skills. It’s like watching the cutest fitness routine ever—think baby yoga, but with less zen and more adorable wiggles.
But hold up! Before you grab your yoga mat and start coaching your baby into a downward dog, let’s talk about the benefits.
Benefits of Tummy Time
Apart from being a wonderful bonding activity, tummy time offers numerous advantages:
- Prepares for developmental milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, and crawling
- Enhances gross motor skills
- Involves muscle groups that are not always used
- Prevents plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome
- Aids in developing head control
- Relieves gas discomfort
- Introduces the baby to a new environment
When should you start this mini workout routine for your little munchkin?
Although there isn’t a strict timeline for introducing tummy time, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests initiating it early. Typically, babies born full-term without health complications can engage in tummy time from their first day home from the hospital. Just ensure both you and your newborn are awake and attentive, with a supervising caregiver present.
It’s common for babies to resist tummy time initially and show signs of discomfort. Dr. Michael McKenna, a pediatrician at St. Vincent Medical Group in Zionsville, Indiana, notes that babies often fuss during tummy time. They might only manage a minute before protesting. The key is gradually acclimating them to the position. Start with brief sessions and progressively increase the duration, because Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your baby’s tolerance for tummy time.
Now, let’s talk duration.
How Long Should Tummy Time Last?
After understanding the importance of starting tummy time early, you might be curious about the duration of each session. Even a short period of tummy time can be beneficial. For newborns, target two to three sessions daily, lasting three to five minutes each, preferably after a nap or a diaper change and during playtime. Dr. Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician at Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore, Maryland, suggests taking breaks if your baby is struggling.
As your baby grows and begins to enjoy tummy time, increase both the frequency and duration of the sessions. By the time they reach 3 or 4 months, aim for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Remember, this doesn’t have to be all at once. Continue tummy time practice until your baby can roll over independently, typically around 4 to 6 months old. Even after this milestone, maintaining tummy time in your routine can assist them in learning to crawl. It’s like baby boot camp, but with less yelling and more cooing.
Now I know you’re probably now wondering how the heck do you pull off this tummy time feat? Keep reading…
How to Perform Tummy Time
Just like any other exercise, tummy time is relatively simple. Here’s a guide to get you started:
Prepare a soft, secure area and lay your baby down. A blanket or tummy time mat on a flat, firm surface is perfect. The floor is an excellent choice, but you can also place your baby on your stomach or chest or across your lap.
If your baby doesn’t engage in tummy time naturally, try to interact with them. Sometimes, just seeing your face can motivate your baby to attempt lifting their head. However, McKenna cautions that this approach may not always work. A tired new parent (which is all of us!) might be tempted to doze off. Even if you manage to stay awake, your warm body might not encourage your baby to raise their head, potentially leading them to fall asleep.
Observe how your baby responds to tummy time and adjust the positioning if needed. If your baby struggles with being on their stomach, consider placing them on their side. This position, recommended by the AAP, involves laying the baby on a blanket on their side, with a rolled-up towel supporting their back and a rolled-up washcloth under their head (if necessary). Position both arms and legs in front of the baby, bending their knees for comfort. Remember to switch sides every 10 to 15 minutes. However, this alternative should not replace tummy time entirely, so continue practicing it!
Tummy Time Tips
Ideally, your baby will be able to move independently during tummy time. However, they may need some extra stimulation to stay engaged. Here are some tips and distractions to make tummy time more enjoyable:
Utilize special tummy time toys: Introduce a couple of unique toys just out of reach to encourage your baby to reach for them. You can also try holding a colorful stuffed animal or rattling a toy near your baby’s face to keep them entertained.
Use a mirror: Place an unbreakable baby mirror in front of your baby during tummy time. They might enjoy seeing their reflection while on their tummy.
Engage in tummy time together: If your baby prefers company during tummy time, join in the activity. Interact with your baby by moving their hands, introducing new textures, reading to them, or using colorful blankets to keep it exciting.
Incorporate your body: If tummy time on the floor isn’t appealing to your baby, use your body as a tummy time surface. Lay your baby across your lap with their belly down, and gently stroke their back or offer rhythmic pats for comfort. Alternatively, lie on your back and place your baby tummy down on your stomach.
Try the football hold: Hold your baby like a football, supporting their tummy on your arm with their limbs on either side. Ensure to provide support for their back and neck with your other hand. This method is suitable for babies who resist traditional tummy time positions.
Prop up your baby: If your baby dislikes lying flat on their tummy, try propping them up with a nursing pillow under their chest initially. This may help them get accustomed to the position before gradually removing the support. Regardless of using a pillow or not, always supervise your baby during tummy time activities.
But what if your baby despises tummy time with the fiery passion of a thousand pacifiers?
Don’t panic! Take a breather, step back, and regroup
Dr. Ashanti Woods says: “Just like many aspects of dealing with children, it’s perfectly fine to take a step back, pause, and return to tummy time”. “Take a short break of a few days or a week, then try again later. You’ll likely notice progress after the break.”
Another tip is to shorten tummy time sessions and spread them out throughout the day to make it more manageable for your baby. Every little bit counts. “Even a little tummy time will bring some benefits,” points out Dr. McKenna. Remember, you’re in this for the long haul, and soon enough, your baby will be flipping and flopping like a pro.
So, there you have it, mama! Tummy time might seem like a challenge now, but soon it’ll be just another quirky chapter in your parenting journey. Don’t feel pressured to master it immediately. Over time, they will become more accustomed to this position, and you’ll discover creative ways to incorporate tummy time into your routine. Enjoy the wiggles, the giggles, and the tiny triumphs as your little one conquers the world—one tummy time at a time. You got this!
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