Tummy Time – Why and How?

Now that the American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to put babies to sleep on their back and babies spend time on their back in car seats, swings and bouncy seats, babies are spending less time on their stomachs. Therefore, they are not as use to or comfortable being on their stomach and they tend to be more comfy on their back, often crying or fussing when on their stomach.

Why is tummy time so important?

The experience of being on their tummy helps babies learn to push up, roll over, sit up, crawl, and pull to a stand. These are all important developmental milestones in a baby’s first year.

How can we help babies to get the experience of tummy time?

Once you place your baby on his stomach, distraction can help until he gets used to it. Join your baby on the floor. Get face to face and encourage him, sing to him, shake his rattle, make funny faces and play peek-a-boo. You could place a favorite toy or new toy within reach or use a tummy time gym with mirrors, lights, music and toys attached. Another option is to lay your baby tummy-down on your tummy, either on the floor, in a recliner, or even in the bath.

If your child has some neck strength and head control (usually by age 3 or 4 months), try propping him on a rolled towel or nursing pillow. Place the towel or pillow under his chest and armpits, with his arms in front of it. Another idea is rolling your baby on a big exercise ball. Hold him on it tummy-down while you gently rock the ball back and forth.

For safety reasons, be sure to supervise your baby during tummy time.

More Tummy Time Tips

Tip: Make sure your child's sitter or daycare provider knows about the importance of tummy time when your baby's awake as well as the importance placing your baby on his back to sleep.

Tip: Make sure your baby isn't hungry or tired when you set him on his tummy. On the other hand, don't place him on a full belly, which might be uncomfortable or worsen reflux. When he starts to cry — even if it's only been a minute — try to coax him a bit longer by talking with him or playing with him. When he's had enough, pick him up and try again later. His tolerance for tummy time is likely to increase gradually with experience and a bit of coaxing

Tip: Try to figure out if there's anything in particular about tummy time that your baby finds distressing. Maybe his blanket gets too scrunched under him or the carpet is too scratchy. Maybe it's too cold on the floor, or too slippery. Maybe he needs his thumb, hand or pacifier to suck on.

What are your tummy time ideas? Please share!

Comments

[C Finger]

Tummy time can happen on mom's chest, it doesn't have to happen on the floor.

[Beth]

Thanks for leaving your great suggestion!

[Britax Car Seat]

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