Tummy time is important for your baby’s development. It helps strengthen the muscles in your baby’s neck, shoulders, and back. These muscles are necessary for your baby to be able to sit up, crawl, and walk.
Tummy time also gives your baby a chance to practice using his or her hands and arms. This helps your baby develop the skills needed for writing and other fine motor skills.
You don’t need to do a lot of tummy time all at once. Just a few minutes several times a day is enough. Start with short periods and gradually increase as your baby gets stronger.
If your baby doesn’t like tummy time, try making it more fun by placing a favourite toy just out of reach. You can also try draping a towel over your baby’s back to make him or her feel more secure.
Most babies will eventually learn to enjoy when to start tummy time. And, it’s important to keep trying even if your baby doesn’t seem to like it at first. Just a little bit of tummy time each day can make a big difference in your baby’s development.
7 Tips and Tricks to Make Tummy Time a Breeze
1. Get On The Floor With Your Baby.
Many parents find that getting down on the floor with their baby during tummy time helps to make it more enjoyable for both parties. This way, you can offer support and encouragement while your little one gets used to being in this new position.
2. Use A Mirror.
Placing a mirror in front of your baby during tummy time can help to engage and amuse them. Babies love to look at themselves, so this is a great way to keep them entertained while they build up their strength.
3. Put On Some Music.
playing soft, calming music in the background can also help to soothe and relax your baby during tummy time.
4. Give Them Something To Reach For.
Whether it’s a toy, your hand, or even a lightweight cloth, giving your baby something to reach for during tummy time can help to motivate them. The act of reaching and grasping is great for their development, so this is a win-win activity.
5. Make It A Game.
Try to turn tummy time into a fun game or activity that your baby will look forward to. For example, you could try singing songs, tickling their tummy, or blowing bubbles while they are on their tummy.
6. Take Breaks Often.
Tummy time can be tough work for little ones, so make sure to take plenty of breaks. Let your baby have a little rest when they start to get tired and then try again later.
7. Be Patient.
It’s important to remember that tummy time is a process, and it may take some time for your baby to adjust to it. Just keep at it, and eventually, they’ll get the hang of it!
Tummy Time: The Secret To Raising a Happy & Confident Baby
As a new parent, you want nothing more than for your baby to be happy and confident. And while there’s no one right way to raise a child, research shows that encouraging tummy time can play a big role in your baby’s development.
Tummy time is simply when your baby spends time on their stomach while supervised. It might seem like a small thing, but it’s crucial for your baby’s development.
Benefits of Tummy Time
There are many benefits of tummy time for both babies and parents. For babies, tummy time helps to:
- Strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, and back
- Prevent flattened spots from developing on their head (a condition called positional plagiocephaly)
- Promote the development of gross and fine motor skills
- Enhance social and emotional development