Before crawling and walking, newborns must roll over, sit up, and raise their heads and necks. Most newborns’ “moves” are based on tummy time.
Tummy time is any awake, supervised time your infant spends on their stomach.
Tummy time helps babies raise their heads against gravity and bear weight, strengthening their neck, shoulders, arms, and abdomen. Sitting, rolling, pushing up, and crawling will require physical development.
Playing on their tummy allows your baby to move side-to-side, which improves coordination, balance, and postural control. They’ll grow more confident and interested as the baby learns new motor skills and perspectives, encouraging them to move, investigate the environment, and prepare for crawling.
Infants need to move throughout the day like adults to be healthy and grow properly. Car-seat-bound newborns may have flattened heads. The early 1990s “Back to Sleep” campaign advised laying all sleeping newborns on their backs, which has made this worse. This beneficial approach prevented SIDS, although it also raised worries about newborns’ head shape and early physical and motor development.
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Your infant is more likely to tolerate tummy time if you start early. Tummy time is intuitive when you lie belly-to-belly during skin-to-skin bonding.
Start by lying on your back and placing your infant tummy down on your soft belly with your heads facing the same way. Use a cushion to see your baby. In this position, your infant can see and hear you.
If your baby likes belly-to-belly tummy time, lay them over your lap for a few minutes, pat and stroke her back, or gently elevate your legs up and down or side-to-side to relax her.
Put your infant’s belly down on the floor for a few minutes. This works well on a clean floor with a soft rug or blanket.
Pediatricians suggest putting aware newborns on their tummies two to three times daily for three to five minutes.
Early infancy tummy time may only last a few minutes before your infant becomes drowsy or fussy. Avoid tummy time with cranky babies. Instead, give them more, shorter tummy time. Always rest your baby on their back.
As your baby enjoys tummy time, increase the duration and frequency. Try 20 minutes of tummy time daily for three to four months. If your baby is aware and content, let them remain on their stomach for 40-60 minutes daily.
Your baby will attempt tummy time on their own around four to six months when they can turn over.
Many newborns resist being belly-down on the floor. If your baby cries during tummy time on the floor, return to your belly or lap to reassure them that they’re safe and secure.
Remember, newborns seek emotional connection and engagement with their parents, so get down on their level and communicate with them during tummy time.
Avoid placing gassy or uncomfortable newborns on their tummies. Their abdominal pressure will be unpleasant. This is particularly true for colicky or refluxing infants. Focus on their specific requirements. Tummy time should be done just after a sleep or diaper change. Avoid evenings and witching hours.
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By moving their arms and legs over a basic soft surface like a blanket, your baby will appreciate its texture. Clothe your infant in a onesie with bare legs for a tactile encounter.
Tummy time mats: There is an owl tummy time mat that has removable toys to help your baby reach and play. Detachable U-shaped pillows help support your baby’s chest.
Put some fun things out of reach while your baby is on her belly. As they begin to raise their heads, newborns may look through baby mirrors.
Tummy time may not appeal to some moms. Tummy time may not help infants accomplish developmental milestones like turning over earlier. All newborns acquire motor and physical skills in their first year unless severely hampered.
Your infant needs diverse movements and viewpoints throughout the day to develop correctly. Tummy time is beneficial. However, avoid holding or carrying your infant for too long.
Your love and support will grow and develop more than any bodily posture or activity. Health-challenged infants need particular attention. Tummy time may be unsuitable for preterm, reflux, or colicky babies. Consult your doctor about your baby’s requirements.
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