MM Development
Top ten tips for tummy time!
As a new parent, you’ll know to put your baby on his back every time he sleeps or takes a nap. But what you may not know is that it’s also important for your little one to spend some time on his belly while he’s wide awake!
That’s because, if your baby spends too much time on his back, his head, neck and shoulder muscles may not be getting enough exercise. Tummy time is so good for your baby because, when he is on his belly, he has to look up, and left and right
to see people and objects. By moving his head around he’ll be able to strengthen his neck, shoulders, and abdomen. Research has also suggested that
babies, who spend time on their tummies, often learn to crawl on their
Keep him engaged Put some age-appropriate
toys in a small circle around him just within his reach. By reaching out for them, he'll strengthen his muscles –
particularly those will soon allow him to roll over and crawl.
Keep it simple
Put a clean blanket or mat
on the floor and place your baby on his stomach. For safety’s sake, you should only do this while your baby is awake!
stomachs earlier than babies who don't practise tummy time. It’s thought that, the more time babies spend on their tummies, the earlier they often begin to roll over, to crawl on their stomachs, or to sit without support.
Know when enough is enough
If your baby is letting you know that he's had or is
becoming distressed, then simply pick him up and try again later. His tolerance will increase over time.
Encourage him
If or when he starts to cry, try to coax him into
staying on his tummy a little longer.
Take it slowly Some infants will only
tolerate a few minutes of tummy time in the
beginning and that's perfectly fine.
Wait until after a feed
Move to his level
Face-to-face encouragement will reassure your baby that he is OK and that he can do it.
Take it a stage at a time
Start by laying your newborn on his tummy across your lap two or three times a day for a few minutes. Then begin to place him on a blanket on the floor after a nappy change.
Increase his
time on his tummy As your baby gets used to
tummy time, try placing him on his tummy more
frequently, or for longer periods of time.
34 Modernmum
Make sure your baby isn't hungry or tired when you set him on his tummy. Equally, wait for about an hour after feeding.
Don’t leave him alone
Remember to never leave your baby
unattended during tummy time.
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