Tummy time is a crucial part of a baby’s early growth. It helps build strength, coordination, and motor skills. Tummy time can be challenging for both babies and parents, as not all babies enjoy it naturally, so parents may need to get creative to make it more engaging.
Understanding Tummy Time: What It Is and Why It Matters
Tummy time is important because it helps your baby build strong neck, shoulder, arm, and back muscles, which are needed for rolling over, crawling, and walking. Simply put, tummy time means placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. During tummy time, babies learn to lift their heads, strengthen their muscles, and become more aware of their bodies. It also encourages them to explore their surroundings, boosting motor skills, coordination, and sensory development. Making tummy time a regular part of your routine helps your baby grow stronger and more active, setting the stage for healthy movement and exploration.
Tips to Encourage Tummy Time
- Start tummy time early as it helps build important motor skills.
- In the first few weeks, try short sessions of a few minutes, a couple of times a day, especially when your baby is awake and alert.
- Tummy time after feeding or a diaper change works well when your baby is calm and content.
- To keep your baby engaged, lie down facing them, make eye contact, and talk or sing to them.
- Use bright, colourful tummy time toys or a mat to make it more fun. Babies also enjoy looking at themselves in mirrors.
- Be encouraging by celebrating small wins, like lifting their head or pushing up on their arms, with smiles and praise.
- If your baby gets fussy, try doing tummy time on your chest or across your lap instead of on the floor—it can feel more comforting.
Adding tummy time to your daily routine makes it fun and helps your baby explore and grow. Every little bit counts, so take these moments to bond and support your baby’s development. If you’re not sure how to get started or have questions, talk to your pediatrician for advice. If you have any questions or would like to share your tummy time experiences, feel free to connect with us.