As a children’s occupational therapist and a mummy of two, I know firsthand how tummy time can feel both essential and challenging. We hear so often that tummy time is critical for babies’ development, but integrating it into daily life can feel like a struggle, especially with a busy household. Let’s explore why tummy time matters and look at ways to make it an easy, enjoyable part of your day-to-day routine.
Why Is Tummy Time So Important?
Tummy time is much more than a checklist item for new parents. Here’s why it’s so essential:
1. Strengthens Core Muscles: Tummy time helps develop the muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and core, laying the foundation for future milestones like rolling, crawling, sitting, and eventually walking. These muscles are essential for posture, coordination, and balance.
2. Encourages Motor Skills: By moving around on their tummy, babies work on their gross motor skills, such as lifting their heads and pushing up on their arms. This practice helps them gain control over their body movements.
3. Supports Visual Development: Being on their belly gives babies new perspectives and encourages them to lift and turn their heads. These movements help strengthen their eye muscles and promote visual tracking.
4. Prevents Flat Spots: Since babies often spend a lot of time on their backs, tummy time provides a healthy alternative that can reduce the risk of developing flat spots on the back of the head.
5. Provides opportunities for bonding: Tummy time is a position for Play, it is a lovely bonding experience for parents and their babies and it encourages communication.
Tips to Make Tummy Time Part of Everyday Life!
As a mum of two, I understand that finding time for tummy time might not always be easy. Many new parents feel it is stressfull and repirt tgeir babies cry when they place them on their tummy. Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful, both personally and professionally, to integrate it seamlessly into daily routines:
1. Start Small and Build Up
- Begin with just a couple of minutes a few times per day and gradually increase the time as your baby becomes more comfortable. Even 2–3 minutes here and there adds up over the course of a day.
- Remember, little and often works well. Try adding a short tummy time session after each nappy change or feeding (once baby is settled) to build it into your routine.
2. Incorporate Play and Interaction
- Make tummy time a fun activity by getting down to your baby’s eye level and interacting with them. Sing songs, make funny faces, or shake a toy in front of them to capture their attention. Think of tummy time as a position for Play, not just something you have to do.
- Use a small mirror for them to look into or place a book with bold patterns nearby, which encourages them to lift their heads and engage with their surroundings.
3. Use Props
- Try placing a rolled-up towel or a small tummy time pillow under their chest to provide extra support, especially when they’re just starting. This can make the position more comfortable and help them build strength.
- There are various baby play mats and tummy time cushions designed to add extra sensory stimulation, making it a little more engaging for babies who need some extra motivation.
4. Combine Tummy Time with Massage
- Tummy time and massage are a perfect pair. Before or after a baby massage, lay them down on their tummy for a few minutes. It’s a relaxing and bonding moment that can ease babies into tummy time.
5. Leverage Sibling Interaction
- If you have older children, encourage them to play with the baby during tummy time. Babies love watching and interacting with siblings, which can make it an exciting experience for both. Just make sure it’s safe and supervised!
6. Tummy Time on You
- Lay your baby on your chest or tummy. They’ll be motivated to lift their head and look at your face, and it’s a wonderful way to bond. Plus, the warmth and familiar scent can be comforting and help them enjoy tummy time more.
7. Practice Patience
- If your baby fusses during tummy time, try to gently persist rather than ending it immediately. You might try distracting them with toys, gentle sounds, or even a little movement to help them stay interested. But if they’re truly upset, it’s okay to pause and try again later. It’s all about a balanced approach.
Making Tummy Time a Joyful Part of the Day
Tummy time doesn’t need to be a stressful or forced activity. By incorporating it into routines, following your baby’s cues, and focusing on engagement, it can become a fun, natural part of your day. Remember, every minute spent on their tummy is a small step towards building strength, confidence, and a sense of independence.
As a mum and an occupational therapist, my advice is to enjoy these moments – they pass quickly! Every lift of the head, every smile, and every little push-up is a sign that your baby is growing and thriving!
Remember baby should always be closely supervised when on their tummy and should only engage in tummy time when in an awake and settled state.
If you have concerns about your babies development or would like some 1:1 tummy time support just send us an email and I will arrange a call with you
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