Tummy Time for Infants: A Fun Time for Baby’s Development!
Many of you might not know but tummy time for infants is utterly momentous! No doubt, that it’s feels a little hard for moms to leave the baby placed on their stomach. However, tummy time is one of the prime activities that promote physical development in newborns.
So, let’s catch it all here, through this written aid that guides you through everything about tummy time for babies.
What is Tummy Time for Babies?-
Consider your baby's first exercise period to be tummy time. A baby or infant can be trained by simply placing them on their tummy for brief periods of time each day.
Although it may appear easy, tummy time is really beneficial to your infant. There are four compelling reasons to give it top priority, those are discussed below as benefits of tummy time.
- Helps develop motor skills
- Promotes skull deformity
- Enhances Parent-Child Relationship
- Encourages Sensory Development
TIP- Always be attentive and cautious while your baby enjoys tummy time. Make sure to be all-surveillant.
Why is Tummy Time Important for Children?-
It is advised by experts that infants sleep on their backs in order to lower the risk of SIDS. Thus, the majority of babies lie on their backs for extended periods of time.
During tummy time, your baby can try new positions and avoid developing a flat area on their head from sleeping on their back all the time.
Your baby's head, neck, and upper body strength all increase during tummy time. It also aids in the development of the motor abilities required for them to sit, roll over, crawl, and stand.
When to do Tummy Time and How to do It?-
- After bath time, a nap, or a diaper change, when your baby wakes up, have some belly time.
- Tummy time is traditionally started by simply lying the baby down on their belly on top of a blanket or mat that has been spread out on the floor in a clear, level space.
- Start younger infants at 3 to 5 minutes. Increase daily by a few minutes at a time.
- You can begin by placing your infant for one to two minutes at a period on their tummy across your lap or chest. Repeat this as often as three times a day.
- If your infant seems to enjoy using a breastfeeding cushion, you may also give it a try.
- After setting the cushion on the floor over a blanket, position the infant on their stomach so that their arms and shoulders are supported.
- If they begin to slide off the pillow, realign them.
- Age-appropriate toys can be put in your baby's reach. During stomach time, you can also read to the baby or hold a board book at eye level for them to look at. Their vision also develops as a result of this.
- You can position a nonbreakable mirror next to your infant so they can view their reflection as they get older and their vision gets better.
- Try doing tummy time outside in a park or other level area to mix things up. Your baby will spend more time in their tummy as they get bigger.
Baby's requirement for tummy time according to age-
Initially, newborns may only be able to endure one to two minutes of tummy time. You may increase tummy time as your baby gets bigger.
Your baby will probably be rolling from front to back by the time they are five or six months old. They will then roll back to face forward and might even be able to independently push themselves up to a sitting position.
Even after they have passed these developmental milestones, you can still allow them to spend time on their tummies. During tummy time, they can continue to build the muscles required for:
- Spending more time sitting down
- walking
- crawling
To The Bottom Line-
In their cradle, in their car seat, and in your arms, babies often lie on their backs staring up at the ceiling. Turning babies over onto their stomachs provides a distinct viewpoint for them and is crucial to their growth. I hope this instruction cleared out all of your concerns.