Tummy time is an important period of development for babies. It’s important for their physical, mental, and emotional growth. Babies who do not have enough tummy time will suffer from developmental delays and muscle weakness. This article will talk about various positions to place your baby, and also a few tummy time tips.
What are the different positions for tummy time?
Here are some popular tummy time positions for your baby
- One of the most popular positions for your baby to practice tummy time is to place them on a safe, firm surface.
- Get some face-to-face interaction with the baby by placing him or her on your chest or belly.
- Another position for time is holding your baby is on your forearm
- Once your baby has developed the ability to control his head properly, you can prop him up with a tummy time pillow.
Tummy to Tummy
Tummy to tummy babies is a position where the baby is on their stomach with their chest against another person’s chest or belly such that they are face to face.
It is important to note that not all babies can do this position initially and you should check with your pediatrician if you have any questions. Be sure to hold your baby firmly to ensure safety
Never put your baby to sleep on his Tummy/stomach, this can increase the risk for suffocation or Sudden Infant death syndrome (SIDS), which can lead to the baby’s death.
Can I use a play mat for tummy time?
You can use a playmat for tummy time, but it is important to make sure that the mat is soft and has low sides. This will help keep your baby safe and comfortable. You can also use other objects such as rolled-up towels or blankets to create a soft surface for your baby.
Baby push-ups
Baby push-ups are a great way to help your baby develop muscles and coordination. They are a type of exercise that helps strengthen the arms, chest, and shoulders. This process develops in steps gradually.
Baby push-ups Process
About one month after birth, babies can raise their heads from flat surfaces. At the age of around two to three months old, the babies begin to lean on their forearms for support. In the 4 to 5 month period, babies normally attempt to push themselves up with just their hands. Even so, one should bear in mind that every baby develops at their own pace; this is just a general guideline.
Why is tummy time important?
Tummy time is important because it helps to develop the muscles in a baby’s neck, chest, and abdomen. It also helps to strengthen their back muscles. Some parents worry about their baby’s flat head; however, it is usually a natural part of development. Tummy time can help to prevent or correct a flat head.
Your baby should do tummy time every day. You can start doing tummy time when your baby is a few weeks old. Place your baby on their stomach on a flat surface, such as a blanket on the floor. Make sure your baby’s head and chest are slightly elevated so their chin is not resting on the floor. Be sure to keep an eye on your baby while they’re doing tummy time to make sure they’re safe and comfortable
When to start
Your baby should do tummy time every day. You can start doing tummy time when your baby is a few weeks old. Place your baby on their stomach on a flat surface, such as a blanket on the floor. Make sure your baby’s head and chest are slightly elevated so their chin is not resting on the floor. Be sure to keep an eye on your baby while they’re doing tummy time to make sure they’re safe and comfortable
benefits of tummy time
The benefits of tummy time include:
- Strengthening the muscles in a baby’s neck, chest, and abdomen
- Stretching and strengthening the back muscles
- Preventing or correcting a flat head
- Helping to develop fine motor skills
- Helping to develop eye-hand coordination
- Helping to develop language skills
Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s development. They will start to develop strength and coordination in their neck and arms while they are stretching out on their bellies. Ideally, you’ll want to make sure your little one spends at least 15 minutes every day on their tummy, but keep in mind that every baby is different. Some babies are just naturally more inclined to be on their tummy while others have a harder time being comfortable.
Tummy time is also a good opportunity to interact with your baby and get some playtime in too! Try playing peek-a-boo by covering their eyes briefly, then moving away again, or try making silly faces and sounds. It’s important that when putting your baby down for tummy time that you do not leave them unattended. Pay close attention during this period as it is extremely easy for babies to fall from changing tables, countertops, or even just off the couch.
Another thing to consider when putting your baby down for tummy time is that there are many variations in this activity. You can put them on a play mat or if it’s safe they may enjoy being placed in their crib with some “tummy toys” to explore. If you have more than one child you’ll want to make sure the older kids are not disturbing the baby when she’s on tummy time. Be sure everyone knows that during these very important few weeks of tummy time, Mom and Dad will be watching closely.
How to make tummy time more fun for my baby?
There are a few things that you can do to make tummy time more fun for your baby. You can sing or talk to your baby while they are in this position. You can also play games such as patty-cake or peek-a-boo.
What if the baby hates tummy time?
The following tips may help your little one learn to adapt to tummy time:
1. Position yourself correctly.
When doing tummy time yourself, keep your head and neck in line with your shoulders. Try not to strain your neck looking down at your baby or to push up.
2: Use proper support.
Make sure that whatever surface you are laying on is comfortable but firm to provide adequate support under the baby’s arms and chest while they lie face down. Also make sure the floor is clear of any potential dangers such as electrical cords, ice-cold floors from open windows, etc., and that your baby is positioned away from the edge of the surface. This point is also important if you’re laying on a hard or unforgiving surface such as wood floors.
3. Keep things interesting.
There are plenty of ways to keep the baby entertained during tummy time playtime. If your baby likes peek-a-boo, hide toys under a blanket or some other fabric then lift it for them to see. Or Make funny faces and sounds to get the baby giggling.
Please note that your baby should always be closely supervised when playing with toys. As soon as you’ve finished playing with them, put them at a distance. Also, never place toys, quilts, pillows, or, anything similar in your baby’s crib, and always keep them away when your baby is about to sleep.
4. Take a break
Take a break if your baby starts acting fussy, and is getting irritated.
5. Be Patient!
As frustrating as it may be, remember that it can take time for babies to develop a love for tummy time. Just keep at it and be supportive.
As mentioned earlier in this article, never put your baby to sleep on their stomach or their side. Suffocation and SIDS can cause the death of babies in these positions.
SIDS
SIDS (which stands as the sudden and unexplained death of a healthy baby less than one year of age. SIDS usually occurs when a baby is sleeping.
However, the cause of SIDS is still unknown.
Among the things that can be done to reduce the risk of SIDS are the following:
- Sleep with your baby on their backs–never on their stomachs or sides.
- Use of a firm sleeping surface, such as a crib mattress and a fitted sheet;
- Keep soft objects (pillows, bumper pads, quilts, sheepskins, etc) and loose bedding out of the crib;
- Avoid smoking when pregnant or around the baby;
- Do not cover your baby’s head;
- Make sure your baby is not overheated; and
- Seek prenatal care regularly.
Sleep strategies against SISD
Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54-a8s0ws-Y
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and the discusses various positions to place baby for tummy time, as well as the few tummy time tips mentioned in it. Giving your baby tummy time regularly is beneficial to their developmental growth. Additionally, always supervise your baby when you try to give them tummy time.
What other activities do you know that provide both growth opportunities and a happy environment for babies? Tell us about them below in the comments
