Tummy Time for Baby's Development
Tummy time is recommended for your baby’s development, but many people find that their little one isn’t happy on their tummy, so struggle to keep up with it. We’ve got a few tips and tricks to make it easier. But first, let’s look at why it’s important and what is actually meant by tummy time.
Spending time on their tummy can help prevent positional plagiocephaly (flattening of the skull). It’s also helpful for promoting healthy growth and development in your baby by giving them an opportunity to develop their neck, back, and shoulder muscles.
Developing this strength will help your baby meet key developmental milestones like pushing up on their arms, lifting their head, rolling over, and, eventually, crawling.
Chiropractor Dr Ainslee says “research has confirmed that tummy time not only helps children meet gross motor milestones (crawling, sitting, walking, running, jumping etc), tummy time extends into helping their learning later in life, and supports social and cognitive development too.“
Tummy time is when your baby is placed on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. Dr Ainslee describes it as “handling a baby in a way that naturally facilitates the development of interactive head control.”
While this can mean putting your little down on the floor, having them tummy down on your chest counts too and might be more comforting for them.
“One great tummy time position for a newborn is chest-to-chest with a caregiver; and skin-to-skin with chest-to-chest is even better.”
The football hold, or tummy down carry is another great way to get some newborn tummy time in. Place your hand under your baby’s stomach and drape their legs over either side of your arm. Your other hand can be used to support the baby’s head and neck. Hold them close to your body while they are getting used to this new position, so they feel safe and secure.
Draping baby over your lap can also be a good parent-contact way to get tummy time. It’s a handy position to burp your little one as well.
Baby whisperer, Dorothy Waide says “the sooner you start with tummy time the quicker the baby will adapt. You can start with just a few seconds each time your baby is up from her nap. Once your baby show signs that she's had enough turn her over onto her back. If you start off with small time frames then over time you will find that your baby will start enjoying being on her tummy.”
To keep tummy time interesting and fun, getting interactive is key. This might mean lying down on a mat with them and chatting or singing. A mirror or board book placed in front baby’s face can also be entertaining.
Specially designed toys, like the Activity Croco tummy time pillow, offer lots of sensory features to encourage your baby to have a longer and more active tummy time. With a teether and rings to soothe itchy gums, tactile textures, a small mirror, tags, crinkle sounds and a jittering crocodile tummy there are plenty of activities to explore.
A comfortable blanket or sensory play mat can also be good for tummy time. With interesting patterns and textures keeping your little one engaged and entertained.
Another good option is the Little Bee Baby Lounger. It has one raised end that’s the perfect angle for supported tummy time while they engage their neck, back, and shoulder muscles. At other times you can use the flat end as a comfortable, even surface for your baby to lounge and rest.
