What You Need to Know About Tummy Time For Babies / Be A Positive Mom
What You Need to Know About Tummy Time For Babies
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is a period of supervised playtime during which an infant is placed on their stomach while they are awake and alert. This practice is typically recommended for babies starting from the first few weeks after birth, and it helps them to develop their head, neck, and upper body strength.
Tummy time is important because it encourages babies to lift their heads and strengthens their neck and upper body muscles. This helps them to develop the physical skills they need to eventually roll over, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk. It also helps to prevent the development of flat spots on the back of the baby's head, which can occur if they spend too much time lying on their backs.
Tummy time can be started as soon as the baby is able to hold their head up, which is usually around 2-3 months of age.
The recommended amount of tummy time varies depending on the age of the baby, but generally, it is recommended to start with short periods of 1-2 minutes several times a day and gradually increase the duration as the baby becomes more comfortable with it.
It's important to always supervise the baby during tummy time and to make sure they are placed on a firm and safe surface.
Why Tummy Time is so important?
Tummy time is important for several reasons, as it provides many benefits for a baby's physical and cognitive development.
Here are some of the key reasons why tummy time is so important:
Helps to develop motor skills:
Tummy time helps babies to develop their head, neck, and upper body muscles, which are important for gross motor skills such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.
Prevents flat spots on the head:
Spending too much time lying on their back can lead to flat spots on a baby's head. Tummy time allows for a more varied range of movements and positions, reducing the likelihood of flat spots.
Encourages visual development:
When a baby is on their tummy, they have to lift and turn their head to look around, which helps to strengthen their eye muscles and develop their depth perception.
Promotes social and emotional development:
Tummy time allows babies to interact with their environment in a new way, which can help to stimulate their senses and encourage social and emotional development.
Helps to prevent delays in development:
Tummy time is an important part of a baby's overall development, and not getting enough of it can lead to delays in reaching developmental milestones.
Overall, tummy time is an important activity for babies, and parents should aim to incorporate it into their daily routine as much as possible. By providing babies with plenty of supervised tummy time, parents can help to support their baby's physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and set them up for success as they grow and develop.
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You can try these different ways to do Tummy Time with baby
Certainly, here are some different ways to do tummy time with your baby:
Lap tummy time:
Sit on a chair or couch with your baby lying tummy down across your lap. You can support their chest with one hand and their bottom with the other. This position allows for face-to-face interaction with your baby and can help them feel secure.
Tummy to tummy:
Lie down on your back and place your baby on your chest facing you, with their head near your chin. This position can help soothe your baby and allows for eye contact and bonding while doing tummy time.
Roll it over:
Place your baby on their tummy and place a small rolled-up towel under their armpits. This will help elevate their upper body and make it easier for them to lift their head and look around.
Mirror, mirror:
Place a baby-safe mirror in front of your baby during tummy time. This will give them something to look at and can help encourage them to lift their head to get a better view.
Tummy time on a ball:
Place your baby on their tummy on an exercise ball, with their arms resting on the ball and their feet on the ground. Gently roll the ball back and forth, which can help to stimulate their senses and provide a fun and engaging tummy time experience.
Remember to always supervise your baby during tummy time and make sure they are comfortable and safe. Varying the position and location of tummy time can help to keep your baby engaged and encourage their development.
How Does Tummy Time Helps Baby's Development?
Tummy time can help with the development of a baby in several ways. Here are some of the ways that tummy time can aid in a baby's development:
Develops core strength:
Tummy time helps develop the muscles in a baby's neck, shoulders, arms, and back, which are essential for crawling, sitting, and eventually standing.
Develops gross motor skills:
Tummy time is crucial for babies to develop gross motor skills such as rolling over, crawling, and pulling themselves up. When a baby is on their tummy, they have to use their muscles to lift and turn their head, reach for toys, and push themselves up.
Develops fine motor skills:
Tummy time can also help with the development of fine motor skills, as it allows a baby to explore their environment with their hands and fingers.
Improves vision:
Tummy time provides babies with an opportunity to look around and explore their environment, which can help improve their vision and hand-eye coordination.
Prevents flat spots on the head:
Tummy time helps to prevent flat spots on the back of a baby's head, which can occur if they spend too much time lying on their back.
Aids in digestion:
Tummy time can help relieve gas and prevent constipation in babies by providing gentle pressure on their abdomen.
Overall, tummy time is an essential activity for a baby's development. It helps with the development of core and gross motor skills, fine motor skills, vision, and digestion. By incorporating tummy time into your baby's routine, you can help them develop the skills they need to thrive as they grow and develop.
Parents' preparation for Tummy Time
Here are some tips to help parents prepare for tummy time:
Start early: It's recommended to start tummy time as soon as possible, ideally from the first week after birth. This helps babies get used to being on their tummy and can make it easier to incorporate tummy time into their daily routine.
Choose the right time: Pick a time when your baby is alert and awake, but not too hungry or tired. It's also best to choose a time when you can supervise your baby closely.
Prepare the space: Choose a soft and safe surface for your baby to lie on, such as a play mat or a blanket on the floor. Remove any sharp or hard objects that could be hazardous, and make sure the room is free of drafts or distractions.
Get down to their level: During tummy time, it's important to get down to your baby's level. This can help to encourage interaction and make them feel more comfortable. You can lie down on the floor next to your baby, or sit in front of them and talk or sing to them.
Use toys and props: Toys and props can help make tummy time more engaging for your baby. You can place toys in front of your baby to encourage them to reach and grasp or use a rolled-up towel or cushion to help support their chest and make it easier for them to lift their head.
Be patient: It's common for babies to resist tummy time at first, so it's important to be patient and persistent. Start with short periods of tummy time and gradually increase the time as your baby gets more comfortable.
Stay close and supervise: Always supervise your baby during tummy time, and stay close by in case they need help or support. Never leave your baby unattended during tummy time, and be ready to pick them up if they become upset or distressed.
At what age should the baby stop Tummy Time?
Tummy time should not be stopped abruptly as it is an essential activity for a baby's development. However, as a baby grows and reaches different developmental milestones, the amount and type of tummy time they need may change.
Generally, a baby should continue to have tummy time until they are able to roll over and sit up on their own, which typically happens between 4 to 7 months of age. At this point, tummy time may naturally decrease as the baby becomes more mobile and starts exploring their environment in different ways.
It's important to note that even after a baby is able to roll over and sit up on their own, tummy time can still be beneficial for strengthening their core and developing their muscles. Parents can continue to incorporate tummy time into their baby's routine as long as their baby is comfortable and enjoying the activity.
It's always best to consult with your baby's pediatrician for specific recommendations based on your baby's individual needs and development.
Is tummy time safe for every baby?
Tummy time is generally safe for most babies, but it is always best to check with your pediatrician to ensure it is safe for your specific baby.
Tummy time is an important activity for infants, as it helps them to develop their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, which are necessary for crawling and other important motor skills. It also helps to prevent flat spots on the back of their heads, which can occur when babies spend too much time lying on their backs.
However, there are some situations where tummy time may not be safe for a baby. For example, if your baby has a medical condition that affects their breathing or if they were born prematurely, you should consult with your pediatrician before starting tummy time.
It's important to monitor your baby closely during tummy time and make sure they are comfortable and able to breathe easily. If your baby seems uncomfortable or is struggling to breathe, stop the activity and try again at another time or consult with your pediatrician.
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