TUMMY TIME — A BABY BOOTCAMP WORKOUT
Who wouldn’t prefer lying on the sofa over doing push-ups? Your baby is no different. Tummy time is one of the best whole-body activities for your baby’s early development, unfortunately their belly is often not a favorite position. Tummy time is a workout because babies typically spend more time in baby equipment than on the floor, developing motor skills. ‘Back to Sleep’ keeps your baby safer at night, but ‘tummy to play’ makes your baby stronger during the day. Not enough tummy time may result in developmental delays.
Why tummy time is so good for your baby:
Strong & long neck muscles: laying the groundwork for your baby’s success with eating solid foods and talking.
Strengthens the diaphragm & other breathing muscles: stronger breathing muscles have been found to decrease a baby’s risk of SIDS.
Tummy time “push-ups” strengthens chest, shoulder, back, and hand muscles: pushing up onto elbows, then to hands to reach and play, tummy time truly becomes baby bootcamp, and is the foundation of motor skills like crawling.
Promotes a round head: too much time on their backs often leave baby with head flattening that can last a lifetime and is linked to learning disabilities and vision differences.
When to start tummy time:
It is never too late, but the sooner the better. Try to start as soon as your baby’s belly button has healed.
How to make tummy time easier:
‘Tummy-to-Tummy’: great for newborns and promotes bonding.
Supported Tummy Time: roll a hand towel and place it under baby’s chest to help baby prop onto elbows making sure baby’s elbows are in-line with the shoulders.
Move with It: babies enjoy a little movement; you can offer tummy time across your legs or over an exercise ball.
Face to Face: babies love faces, try parent or sibling face to face or a baby mirror.
Rest & Digest: wait at least 30 minutes after a meal to decrease risk of spitting-up.
Add Massage: use the tummy time position for an after-bath infant massage opportunity.
Make it Fun: colorful, musical toy choices and variety will keep baby interested.
How much tummy time?
Start slowly, shorter durations but more frequently (3 min. 3-5x a day)
Sneak it in after diaper changes, after a nap, and times baby is happy and comfortable.
Gently challenge your baby’s tolerance, building time every day.
Strive for 1 hour total of daily tummy time at baby’s 4th month.
The more tummy time baby gets, the easier it will be for everyone. As tummy time becomes a natural part of your baby’s motor skills you won’t have to track the time. Remember tummy time is a quick and easy way to promote motor skills, feeding, language, vision, play and symmetry.
With Luck, Love & Light! XO Rachel