Do you have a newborn baby, and you’re unsure how to do tummy time or how often you should be doing it? Or maybe you have a one, two, or three-month-old who absolutely hates tummy time? Well, this blog is for you! Today, I’m going to share my tips on everything you need to know about tummy time, including the do’s and don’ts, which will ensure that tummy time is a fun activity for your baby and, most importantly, not stressful for you as parents.
Hi! If you’re new here, my name’s Jessica. I’m a pediatric occupational therapist who has had the pleasure of working with parents of newborn children all the way up to school age for the last 10 years. I’m also a mom to two gorgeous children. When I became a mom, I found that there was an overwhelming amount of information out there that made parenting seem incredibly difficult. So, I created a platform where I could share evidence-based information and practical tips and tricks I’ve learned over the past decade to make your life as parents easier and ensure your child gets the best start in life.
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is when you place your baby on their tummy. It is crucial because it helps develop the muscles in their head, neck, and upper body, which are essential for rolling, sitting up, crawling, and walking. Many babies fuss and cry when placed on their tummy, especially when just starting out. This is because it’s a challenging activity for them; their muscles have to work hard to lift their head, and they can’t see much or use their hands in this position. However, with regular practice, your baby will get stronger and less fussy during tummy time.
Do’s and Don’ts of Tummy Time
Here are my do’s and don’ts to make tummy time easier and more enjoyable for your baby, ensuring it’s a positive experience for both of you.
Do’s
Start Tummy Time Early: Begin tummy time as soon as you get home from the hospital if your baby was born full term and has no medical conditions. Aim for your newborn to be in the tummy time position for one to two minutes multiple times throughout the day. By three months of age, your baby should be able to do an hour of tummy time spread throughout the day.
Do It When Baby is Alert and Awake: Always supervise tummy time and do it when your baby is alert and awake, generally after a breastfeed or formula feed. This way, they’re not hungry or grizzly and are more likely to tolerate the activity.
Use Different Tummy Time Positions: There are four tummy time positions:
– Traditional Tummy Time: Baby lies on the floor with their arms under their body.
– Chest to Chest: Baby lies on your chest while you recline in a chair or on the bed.
– Across the Lap: Baby lies across your lap.
– Football Hold: Baby lies in your arms with their head near your elbow and your hand supporting their hips.
Make Tummy Time Easier: For all positions, make tummy time easier by shifting the baby’s weight to their hips and legs. Use your hand to support their hips or place a rolled-up towel under their arms in the traditional tummy time position. Recline your body or arm in the chest-to-chest or football hold positions to reduce gravity’s effect.
Make It Fun: Distract your baby with songs, toys, or non-breakable mirrors during tummy time. Place high-contrast toys or colorful books in front of them to keep them engaged.
Don’ts
Don’t Stop Tummy Time Because Baby Cries: All babies fuss during tummy time because it’s hard work. The only way it gets easier is with frequent practice. Start with short bursts and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger.
Don’t Stress About Tummy Time Quotas: It’s okay if you don’t meet the tummy time goal every day. There will be off days, and that’s fine. Consistency over time is what matters.
Making Tummy Time Easier for You and Your Baby
To make tummy time more enjoyable for your baby, try different locations and toys. Doing tummy time by a window where they can watch the trees, birds, or pets can make the experience more engaging. Embrace the variety and find what works best for your baby.
Remember, the goal is to make tummy time a regular part of your routine, not a chore. Your baby will get stronger and more comfortable with time, making this crucial activity less stressful for both of you.
If you found these tips helpful, please like and subscribe to my channel. Don’t forget to hit the bell button to be notified every week when I release a new video. Also, check out the free PDF document in the description box below, which covers developmental milestones from zero to 12 months of age. It’s a great resource to refer to throughout your child’s first year.
Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you find tummy time more manageable and enjoyable for both you and your baby. Tune in next week for more parenting tips and tricks to make your life as parents easier and give your baby the best start in life. Happy parenting!