What is tummy time?

Tummy time for newborns is placing your baby on his or her stomach while he or she is awake. Take note that while your baby is spending tummy time, you must be there to watch your baby. 

Tummy time is one of the first exercises that newborns perform to strengthen their motor, visual and sensory development. 

What does tummy time help with? 

• Tummy time for newborns and infants (1-3 months) is extremely crucial as they are just developing their neck control at this time. Tummy time helps babies exercise the muscles they need for rolling over, sitting up, crawling and walking.
• For older newborns (4-6 months), tummy time helps them practice strengthening their arms to lift their heads and chest. At 4-6 months, tummy time exercises the arm, chest and back muscles.
• Tummy time also helps newborns with a neck condition known as Torticollis or twisted neck. In this condition, babies find it difficult to turn their heads due to tight neck muscles. By spending tummy time, babies with Torticollis will be encouraged to look around and exercise their necks. Your doctor can show you some more exercises to help your baby relax his/her neck muscles. 
• Babies that spend too much time on their back during the first few months of birth can develop a condition known as positional plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome. By spending tummy time, you can prevent your baby from developing or correcting this condition.
• Tummy time builds a foundation for your baby to meet his/her motor milestones that include rolling, sitting, crawling and more.

How to do tummy time with your baby?

• Newborns 

For newborns, you can initiate tummy time by placing your baby’s belly down or on your chest or lap for a few minutes at a time. Repeat this exercise 2-3 times a day. Encourage your baby to lift their head while they lie on their belly. This will help them strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. Once your baby gets used to the exercise, you can slowly increase the time. 

• Older babies 

For older babies, you can place a blanket down in a clear area on the floor. You can begin by placing your baby’s tummy down on the blanket for 3-4 minutes several times a day. Do not worry if your baby gets fussy or frustrated in this position, as it is completely normal. Stick to 3-4 minutes for the first few sessions and then slowly increase the time. It is advised that you practice these sessions when your baby is fed, changed and happy. 

By spending time on blankets and carpets, your baby will also learn to feel different textures on their arms, hands and cheek. This can improve their sense of touch (tactile sense). 

Once your baby gets used to spending tummy time, you can place your baby’s belly down for longer periods of time. Even though your baby is now conditioned to stay on their bellies for longer periods of time, your supervision is still needed. Experts recommend that by the time babies reach the 3-month stage, they can work up to one hour of tummy time. 

To encourage your child to lift their head and look up, you can try making some noises or shaking a rattle. This and other favourite toys will get your baby’s attention and encourage forward and reaching movements.

Tummy time also helps develop visual skills and hand-eye coordination. When your baby looks down at his/her hands, he/she observes how they move and what they can do.

Also Read:- Should I Take a Parenting Class?

More tips

• Make tummy time a part of your baby’s everyday routine. 
• If your baby resists tummy time, do a couple after every diaper change or after every bath so that your baby fits into a routine and expects it.
• Do not let your baby fall asleep on their tummy. If you spot signs of your baby feeling sleepy, place them on their backs.
• You can make tummy time fun by singing songs to cool and soothe your baby. Your baby loves looking at your face, and getting down the floor at their eye level will encourage them.

To conclude, tummy time for newborn is important for healthy motor, sensory and vision development in babies. Do not get discouraged if your baby resists, and you can consult your baby’s paediatrician to figure out a plan that fits best.