What Is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like, that is time spent on the baby's stomach while awake and supervised. Placing the baby on their belly enables them to elevate their head, which strengthens the head, neck, and shoulder muscles and improves motor abilities.When To Start Tummy Time?
While there is no set time to begin practising tummy time, Dr Praneta Swarup, Department of Pediatric, Sharda Hospital suggests that parents start early. In fact, infants delivered at full term with no health difficulties may begin tummy time as early as their first day home from the hospital—as long as you and your baby are both awake and attentive, and you or another carer is there to supervise.Don't be shocked if the baby dislikes tummy time and the first efforts are greeted with some resistance. Babies usually don't like it and get cranky about it. The first time, they may just be down there for a minute before screaming. It is about getting them used to being in that situation. You'll probably need to begin with short sessions and work your way up.
How Long Should Tummy Time Last?
Now that you know when to begin tummy time (the sooner the better!), you may be wondering how long each practice session should go. A little tummy time may go a long way. When it comes to infant tummy time, aim for two to three sessions per day, each lasting three to five minutes, preferably after a sleep or diaper change and as part of playtime. You can stop or take breaks there if your baby is having a difficult time.As the baby grows bigger and enjoys this "workout," gradually increase the frequency and length of tummy time sessions. By the time your baby is 3 or 4 months old, you should be giving them 20 to 30 minutes of tummy time each day.
Remember that it does not have to be done in one continuous session. Continue the technique until your baby can roll over on their own, which many newborns do around 4 to 6 months of age. Even so, you may want to include tummy time practice into your normal routine; it will benefit them when they begin to crawl.
How To Do Tummy Time?
Tummy time, like other workouts, is simple. Here is how to start:- Create a nice, safe environment and lay the baby down. A blanket or mat placed on a sturdy, level surface works great. The floor is best, but you may also place the newborn belly down on your stomach, chest, or across your lap.
- If your baby does not react to tummy time on their own, try engaging them. Seeing your face may be enough to entice a baby to attempt moving its head off your body, but experts caution that this strategy might backfire. A sleep-deprived new parent may be tempted to nap. Alternatively, if you manage to remain awake, the baby may have little desire to move their head off your warm body and go to sleep.
- See how it goes and how the baby reacts to tummy time. You may need to experiment with placement. If your infant can't manage lying on their stomach, try placing them on their side. Roll them to the opposite side every 10 to 15 minutes. (Of course, this activity should not completely replace tummy time; keep trying!)
Tummy time at 0 to 2 months
Newborns can't lift their heads very much, if at all, so when you put them on their stomachs, you want to make sure their face isn't in the ground. You can roll up a small towel to prop up their chest.You can also lie on your back and place your newborn on your stomach, tummy to tummy. It's a chance for physical bonding, and it still counts as tummy time.
Your goal should be to do tummy time twice or three times each day for three to five minutes each, gradually up to 20 minutes or more. To begin, your baby will be unable to do much, and they may dislike stomach time. It's okay if you only have a few minutes before they start fussing.
Tummy Time at 2-4 Months
As your baby grows stronger, they will become more aware of their surroundings. They will begin to tolerate longer periods of tummy time, and they may even come to like it.As they get older, they're going to develop better head control, and they can keep their head up longer. They might not need that towel to prop them up anymore.
This is also when newborns' vision begins to improve, so you may notice them being more focused on you and interacting while on their tummies.
Tummy Time at 4-6 Months
Tummy time is now becoming enjoyable! At this point, your baby's core strength will be improved, and they may begin rolling over from stomach to back, and back to stomach.That's when they can start playing more. They'll start to get the ability to push up more with their arms and be a lot more independent. At this point, you can begin introducing toys for them to grab and other interactive aspects.
Tummy time after six months
Work up to an hour of tummy time per day until your baby can crawl. In fact, babies may begin to crawl during stomach time itself.Eventually, they'll use it as a kind of practice, trying to push themselves up to see what happens. As babies grow, tummy time slowly transitions into crawling, walking and playtime.
Tummy Time Tips
In an ideal world, your newborn would push up and move about on their own during tummy time. However, they will most likely need some kind of stimulation to remain interested. Here are some tummy time exercises and distractions to try:- Use specialised tummy time toys: Pull out one or two innovative tummy time toys and set them just out of reach, requiring the baby to stretch themselves to grasp them. To divert a baby from a chore, try holding a brightly coloured plush animal or rattling a rattle near their face.
- Use a mirror: Place the mirror in front of the baby's face. They may love looking at their reflection during tummy time.
- Get in on the tummy time action: If your child is not comfortable exercising alone, you may join the exercise.
- Use your body: Tummy time on the floor may not be your baby's favourite activity for a while. If this is the case, you may use your body as the baby's own tummy time mat.
What Are The Benefits Of Tummy Time, And Why Is It Important?
Spending awake time belly-down provides numerous benefits for your child.- Helps avoid flat patches on the back of the baby's head. Allows your infant to work muscles other than those on their back.
- By doing push-ups, your baby will strengthen the muscles in their arms, shoulders, upper back, and neck, allowing them to eventually lift their head.
- Creates the foundation for motor tasks such as reaching, rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.
What Can I Do If My Kid Dislikes Tummy Time?
Many newborns dislike stomach time at first, but most eventually accept and sometimes even love it as they develop the muscles needed to lift their heads. Meanwhile, make stomach time less unpleasant by:- Trying many short periods per day. Initially, aim for 1 to 2 minutes at a time. With experience, your baby will progress to longer belly sessions.
- Switching up the locales. A change of scenery can help to make tummy time more bearable.
- Massage their feet. If your baby enjoys it, a baby massage can help with tummy time.
- Invite an older sibling to join. Your baby may be feeling the pressure from you, and a new face can make tummy time more intriguing. Children can get down on the floor more easily than adults, and their activity is more energetic when your infant needs a boost. Just keep a tight eye on both children.
FAQs on Introducing Tummy Time to Baby
- How soon should I start tummy time?
Most newborns may begin tummy time exercises a day or two after birth. Babies benefit from two or three brief (3 to 5-minute) tummy time sessions each day. - At what age do newborns begin to enjoy tummy time?
After around 6-7 months of tummy time, your baby will most likely choose to spend time on their belly, but you may still need to provide some direction by continuing to support stomach time.
