Tummy time is a crucial first step that all parents should be doing with their baby, even when they are a newborn.
You might be wondering how to do it, which is why I created this guide that will walk you through why it's so important, and then how to start!
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Why is Tummy Time so Important?
- Helps build neck muscles (to allow baby to lift their head, turn their head and eventually control their head from falling back.)
- Helps prepare baby to begin rolling and crawling.
- Helps with baby gas pains
- Prevent flat spots on baby's head (according to the Mayo Clinic)
Related: Parents Guide to Helping a Baby with Gas Pain
When to start tummy time?
Tummy time should start right away as soon as you bring baby home. It will change as baby gets older.
How to do tummy time with newborn
Newborn tummy time is a gentle approach that involves holding your baby on your tummy and have them on their tummy.
This gets baby comfortable with this position so later on tummy time will go smoother.
It's also a great way to bond with baby!
Just make sure to have a burp cloth ready, because baby might have a few spit ups here and there.
How to do tummy time with older baby
As baby gets older, tummy time will progress to a blanket on the floor or even a play mat.
- Lay out a blanket or muslin burp cloth
- Scatter plenty of bright colorful toys to interest baby
- Start with 5 minutes and increase that as baby gets more used to it.
- Lay on the floor next to your baby.
Also, in the beginning few months, always remember to have a burp cloth or towl at the ready for any possible spit-ups.
Best baby gear for tummy time
Now as a parent, I am always after products that make life easier. Here are some must-haves that we used with both of my kids which really seemed to make tummy time go a lot more fun!
A tummy time mat is a great way to keep baby happy and interested during tummy time. This particular one by Baby Einstein has lots of fun activities including a piano!
Another great thing to have on hand are some of these fun and colorful rings! They are light enough that baby can hold them, especially while your baby is so young.
Another fun fact, you can link them up to your play mat or other toys to give baby something to reach for. Don't stop there though, make sure to also have some fun rattles and other toys to preoccupy baby.
FAQ
According to the NIH, 2 month old babies need 15-30 minutes total for the entire day.
You should start modified tummy time right away. This looks likes holding your baby on your tummy while they are on their tummy.
Yes! Tummy time puts pressure on those gas bubbles in your little one's tummy and can help them push it out (fart).
It takes time for your baby to build those muscles to hold their head. Lay by baby, and talk and coo. It's very beneficial even if all they do is have their head laying on one side.
There you have it! Tummy time for infants really is a lot simpler than it sounds, but extremely important.
Just remember to start right away, and make it fun for your baby. Also, don't forget to share this article and pin it to your baby board on Pinterest. Thanks!!
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