What Age Should You Start Tummy Time?

There is a wide range of responses from infants when they are placed face down on the floor. Many infants despite stomach time (and wail indignantly to let you know it) until they learn the muscles to raise their heads from the uncomfortable face-plant position. Many people seem to like the scenery. But other people really don't care which way is up; they'll be happy and cooing whatever.

No matter how your baby responds, tummy time is an important step in the development of motor skills that will allow your baby to crawl. If your infant is resistant to spending time on his or her stomach, we have some helpful information for you on what tummy time is, how to perform it, and how to encourage it.

Although it is recommended that infants sleep on their backs, it is easy to overlook the significance of tummy time in the development of a healthy infant. The little wiggles and half-lifts may not look like much now, but they help the baby in the long run by preventing flat patches on the back of her head (a result of spending so much time on her back) and setting the stage for later milestones such as rolling over and crawling.

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What Is Tummy Time?

Tummy time is essential for infant development and should be done regularly. They benefit from enhanced head and neck growth and the development of stronger head, arm, neck, and shoulder muscles as a result of this activity.

Baby tummy time consists of brief periods of time spent with your awake baby on their stomach.

If you bring your newborn home from the hospital and place them on your chest, you can begin tummy time immediately.

Start with just a few minutes, multiple times a day. Your baby's ability to remain on their tummy for extended intervals will increase as they get older.

Keep in mind that during stomach time, your infant should always be under close supervision. When your baby is awake, and only then, you can conduct tummy time. All babies should be placed to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS (SIDS).

Keep reading to find out why and how effective tummy time can be for your baby.

During tummy time, you play with your infant while he is on his stomach. Tummy time aids in the growth of muscles that enable a baby to support his or her own head and, later, to sit up, crawl, and walk. Always keep your baby alert and in your close supervision during stomach time; remember, "back to sleep, tummy to play."

When Should I Begin My Tummy Time?

According to the AAP, newborns should start tummy time the day they get home from the hospital.

How Long Each Day Should My Baby Do Tummy Time?

Your infant can benefit from spending around 15 minutes a day on his tummy (or three 3- to 5-minute periods a day) under your watchful supervision. Because older infants benefit more from time spent on their bellies for muscle development, you can leave him there for extended periods of time as he grows.

How To Do Tummy Time 

• Tummy time is most effective right after a nap or a diaper change, when your baby is alert and ready to play.
• Make some room on the ground. On a clean towel or play mat, lay your baby on his stomach.
• Make sure your infant has their favourite toys close by.
• Keep your infant in a belly-down position for three to five minutes, twice or thrice daily.
• Once your infant shows interest in tummy time, you can gradually lengthen and increase the number of sessions you give them throughout the day.
• Babies should never sleep face down. One of the leading causes of SIDS is babies sleeping in the prone position (SIDS).

You can help your baby become used to being on their stomach in a variety of ways. Have some fun and vary your child's tummy time by getting them up and about as well as down and in the traditional position. Keeping a baby entertained and interested necessitates frequent changes in position, environment, and routine. Parents can join in on the fun, too! To make the most of this time and to help the baby feel at ease with both parents, it is recommended that both parents participate in stomach time. Take a look at these infant tummy time pointers to get you started!

Floor Time

It's simple and natural to begin tummy time by creating a designated area in the living room or the baby's bedroom. Try putting the baby in a "superman" pose with their arms out in front of them and a tiny, firm pillow supporting their tummy. Be careful to spend a lot of time talking and playing with the baby at this age. For the sake of the baby's comfort, it's crucial to ensure that he or she feels secure and relaxed during tummy time, as it's a novel sensation that may first be unsettling. When engaging in floor time, try lying down so that you and your baby may interact face-to-face. For the sake of the baby's development and happiness, letting them see your face is highly recommended. Tummy time is a breeze with our portable crib thanks to the convenient side door. Stretch out next to the newborn and marvel at their development.

Tummy-To-Tummy

Tummy-to-tummy is another fantastic option for tummy time. You might try lying on your back with the baby on your stomach or chest, tummy up. Move a toy in front of the baby's face or have your partner walk about the room to get the infant up and looking around, which helps develop their neck muscles and upper body strength. Put a mobile over the crib to get the baby interested in looking up. To maximise the benefits of tummy time for your baby's strength and motor skill development, you should vary your activities and keep the baby on the move as much as possible.

Lap

Place the baby across your lap so that their chest is supported by the higher of your two knees. Place one hand on the baby's back so they know you're nearby. During stomach time, stroke your baby's back gently to calm them. Tummy time is more enjoyable with the addition of baby oil or all-natural lotion.

Tummy-Down Carry

Tummy-down baby carriers are fantastic for both you and your baby since they allow you to practise tummy time while relieving the back strain that comes from carrying an infant in an upright position. Put one arm between the baby's legs and use that to support the baby's chest. Nestle the infant into your chest with one hand supporting the head and the other the shoulders. This is a convenient method to give your baby some much-needed tummy time whenever and whenever you can. Ensure that the baby is getting plenty of tummy time by having your partner practise this carry as well.

Worried about your kid getting a flat head from resting on his back? Don't fret; as newborns become older, those flat patches usually round out. Your baby can benefit from tummy time and from alternating the direction his feet face as he sleeps in his crib. To reduce the strain on the back of your child's head, try to limit the amount of time he or she spends in a bouncer, swing, car seat, or baby carrier.

Why Do Babies Require Tummy Time?

It's not easy to get a baby to do something she doesn't want to. But we promise you, time spent on your stomach will be well spent. Tummy time is great because it's a fun way for you and your baby to bond, but it also has some serious advantages:

• Rolling over, sitting upright, and crawling are all critical milestones to practise.
• Improves gross motor skills
• Engages less-frequently utilised muscle groups
• Plagiocephaly is avoided (aka flat head syndrome)
• Assists the baby in developing head control.
• Reduces gas pain
• Baby is exposed to a new environment.

Benefits Of Tummy Time

Babies spend most of their first days of life on their backs, whether because you're putting them to sleep or because you're holding or swaddling them. The benefits of belly time play with your child extend far beyond the development of upper body strength.

If you want your baby to be ready to crawl, stand, and eventually walk, having them spend some time on their tummy is a great place to start. Tummy time is crucial for your child's growth as it helps them get ready for these major developmental milestones. Infants who get plenty of tummy time are less likely to develop flat patches on their heads from prolonged periods of lying down. The SIDS rate has been lowered in half since 1994, when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began its "Back to Sleep Campaign." When parents first started instituting safe sleeping practises for their children, they saw an unexpected result: their children began to develop flat patches on the backs of their skulls from spending so much time in a prone position. In light of this new information, tummy time has emerged as a crucially beneficial pastime for infants. When your baby is ready to start rolling over in their sleep, you can help them transition to a new position by doing tummy time with them.

Newborns that undertake tummy time and even practise walking motion on a baby treadmill are able to walk on their own about 101 days earlier than babies who don't. Tummy time is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby and give them some loving attention while also helping them get a head start on developing their motor skills.

• Increase upper-body strength.
• Improvement of motor skills
• Avoid the formation of flat patches on the baby's head.
• Encourage timely expansion
• Introduce your infant to new sights and textures.
• Allow children to use their hand motor abilities to hold, reach, and grab.
• Encourage independence and a love of learning.
• Spending quality time with the baby

It's time to get into the specifics now that you know how advantageous tummy time may be. Let's talk about the best times to start tummy time, how to do it, what to do if your baby doesn't like it, and what to do instead.

Tummy Time Activities

To make the most of your newfound luxury, it's time to get down to business on your stomach. So, let's talk about some great tummy time games that you can play with your baby from birth to the three-month, three-to-six-month, and six-month-and-up stages.

Tummy Time Activities From Birth To 3 Months

Tummy time should begin at around 20-30 minutes (or more) and be worked up to an hour by the third month.

• Tummy-to-tummy interaction
• Smiling at eye level
• Singing lullabies to your baby in a tummy-down carry may help put them to sleep.

Tummy Time Activities For Three Months

An infant should be able to spend up to an hour a day on their tummy by the end of the third month. Don't give up if you aren't there yet; progress takes time.

• Make use of the baby's natural curiosity to explore the world around him or her by moving his or her head from one toy to another.
• Alter your child's height with a rolled-up blanket or cushions to stimulate development of gross motor skills.

Tummy Time Activities For Six Months

The baby's strength and motor skills will develop rapidly over the first six months. This can be a great way to increase the enjoyment of tummy time for both of you! During these times, you may expect to see the introduction of new playthings and activities.

Babies can do their own version of push-ups by lying on their bellies and having their chests supported by your hands. This will provide them the opportunity to practise using their hands and arms to build strength and coordination in preparation for longer durations of independent standing. If you have a secure grip on the baby, you can even do push-ups with him or her in a bassinet. A fantastic alternative to playing on the floor, this can be much more convenient for tired parents.

Toys can help infants learn to roll over and reach for things by providing a motivating activity for them to do so. As the infant begins to roll, a tiny, soft pillow can be placed next to them for support and leverage.

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How Much Tummy Time

Your baby's schedule and development stage will determine how long your tummy time sessions should be, but a good starting point is 10-15 minutes per day, increasing to 20-30 minutes per day, and finally reaching an hour per day by the time your baby is three months old. Pay attention to the baby's belly time milestones and watch how the infant reacts to tummy time by feeling it out together. Setting up a routine for tummy time will assist your baby become accustomed to this position. Keep the infant in a few different play positions and face him or her in different directions.

Read on for some suggestions on how to make the transition to tummy time less stressful for the baby and more enjoyable for you.

What If A Baby Hates Tummy Time?

Tummy time is crucial for infant development, but it isn't always as simple as laying out a blanket and some cushions for play. As an adult, you probably wouldn't like it if someone shifted your position without asking you to. This is so vital for your kid's development that you should keep at it even if the infant starts to fuss. Don't rush to comfort a fussy infant; instead, let them time to calm down on their own. Mamas, if this sounds familiar, take heart; it's perfectly typical for infants to take a little while to acclimatise. Keeping your cool and remembering that every infant is unique will help you get through this trying time.

If you're at a loss for what to do with the baby during tummy time, don't worry; we've got you covered. A few suggestions to ease the transition to tummy time for both you and your infant:

Lay Down With Baby

It's possible that the infant's crying stems from his anxiety at being separated from his mother. To entertain a baby, get down on his or her level and play a game of peek-a-boo, make funny faces, and show off some toys. Talking and playing with the infant will reassure them and make the process more manageable.

Use A Blanket Or Pillow To Practice Tummy Time

If your baby isn't enjoying time spent tummy-down, try the belly-supporting cushion technique we discussed earlier; it can be quite helpful. Support the infant's chest and stomach with a soft yet firm pillow or a rolled-up blanket. It's best to start with a tiny roll of a blanket and gradually extend it as the baby grows used to being on their stomach for longer periods of time.

Try Tummy Time In Bed.

Babies don't always do well when placed on the floor. As long as the infant is awake and being watched, tummy time can be practised on a bed instead. Keep in mind that a softer and taller surface means you'll have to keep a closer eye on the youngster.

Reassure Baby

If your baby starts to cry during tummy time, try to ignore it for a moment before picking them up. Try singing or talking to them, caressing their shoulders or head, or just keeping close physical touch to let them know you're there.

Side-Lying Experiment

Try side-lying the baby if he or she is having trouble adjusting to the inverted perspective. This can be beneficial in a similar way to tummy time, and it's a great option. Support the baby's side using a blanket or rolled-up towel. She needs to face forwards, knees slightly bent, and place both hands in front of her. A baby's head can be turned with the help of a toy.

Relax

Tummy time is essential for your baby's growth, but if they aren't enjoying it, neither you nor your baby should force it. Try to do 30 minutes of tummy time every day, varying between carries and various positions, even if your baby doesn't like it. Incorporate other activities, such as encouraging the baby's neck to move about as you hold them or while they are lying down, to help develop their upper body strength. Make use of your instincts as a parent; if you suspect something is wrong, don't delay in seeing a doctor.

More Tips For Tummy Time

Now that we've covered the benefits of stomach time, some effective tummy time practises, and some of the expected developmental milestones, let's talk about some additional ways to make the most of this time!

• Get the baby some soft, loose-fitting garments that will allow him or her to roam around freely.
• When putting the infant to bed in the crib, flip them over every so often. This can help children develop strong neck muscles by getting them to switch which way they gaze out of the crib.
• Repeatedly pick up your baby. Besides fostering bonding between parent and child, holding the baby frequently reduces the amount of time the infant spends in a recumbent position.
• Don't ever put a sleeping infant on their stomach; tummy time should only be done when the baby is awake and being watched.

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Conclusion

Tummy time is beneficial for babies and should be part of their daily routine. Tummy time strengthens a baby's head, neck, arms, and shoulders, making them taller and more coordinated. In addition, newborns should sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests starting tummy time when babies come home from the hospital. Tummy time helps babies sit up, crawl, and walk.

Ensure your baby's tummy time is comfortable. Keeping the baby's mobility maximises benefits. Infants like tummy time with baby oil or natural lotion. Tummy time is fun and useful. Belly time helps babies avoid flattening their skulls from sleeping in one posture.

By the third month, a baby can spend up to an hour on their tummy. Tummy time games for newborns to six months are listed below. Tummy time is good for babies, but it's more complex than laying out a blanket and pillows. These recommendations will help you and your baby adjust to tummy time. First, prop the baby's chest and tummy with a sturdy but delicate pillow or rolled blanket.

As the infant becomes adjusted to tummy time, you can expand the blanket roll. Placing your infant on their side may help with an inverted perspective. Again, tummy time will assist your baby even if your baby hates stomach time; attempt 30 minutes daily. Moving the baby's neck when holding or lying down can strengthen the upper body.

Content Summary

• No matter how your baby responds, tummy time is an important step in developing motor skills that will allow your baby to crawl.
• If your infant is resistant to spending time on their stomach, we have some helpful information for you on what tummy time is, how to perform it, and how to encourage it.
• Although it is recommended that infants sleep on their backs, it is easy to overlook the significance of tummy time in developing a healthy infant.
• Tummy time is essential for infant development and should be done regularly.
• Baby tummy time consists of brief periods with your awake baby on their stomach.
• Remember that your infant should always be under close supervision during stomach time.
• Keep reading to discover why and how effective tummy time can be for your baby.
• During tummy time, you play with your infant while he is on his stomach.
• Always keep your baby alert and under your close supervision during stomach time; remember, "back to sleep, tummy to play."
• Keep your infant's belly down for three to five minutes twice or thrice daily.
• You can help your baby become used to being on their stomach in various ways.
• Have some fun and vary your child's tummy time by getting them up and about as well as down and in the traditional position.
• It's simple and natural to begin tummy time by creating a designated area in the living room or the baby's bedroom.
• When engaging in floor time, try lying down so that you and your baby may interact face-to-face.
• You might lie on your back with the baby on your stomach or chest, tummy up.
• To maximise the benefits of tummy time for your baby's strength and motor skill development, you should vary your activities and keep the baby on the move as much as possible.
• Tummy-down baby carriers are fantastic for you and your baby since they allow you to practise tummy time while relieving the back strain from carrying an infant in an upright position.
• To reduce the strain on the back of your child's head, try to limit the amount of time they spend in a bouncer, swing, car seat, or baby carrier.
• But we promise you, time spent on your stomach will be well spent.
• The benefits of belly time play with your child extend far beyond the development of upper body strength.
• If you want your baby to be ready to crawl, stand, and eventually walk, having them spend some time on their tummy is a great place to start.
• Tummy time is crucial for your child's growth as it helps them get ready for these major developmental milestones.
• Infants who get plenty of tummy time are less likely to develop flat patches on their heads from prolonged periods of lying down.
• When your baby is ready to start rolling over in their sleep, you can help them transition to a new position by doing tummy time with them.
• Encourage timely expansion. Introduce your infant to new sights and textures.
• Spending quality time with the baby It's time to get into the specifics now that you know how good tummy time may be.
• So, let's talk about some great tummy time games you can play with your baby from birth to the three-month, three-to-six-month, and six-month-and-up stages.
• After your child's height with a rolled-up blanket or cushions to stimulate the development of gross motor skills.
• The baby's strength and motor skills will develop rapidly over the first six months.
• This can be a great way to increase the enjoyment of tummy time for both of you!
• Pay attention to the baby's belly time milestones and watch how the infant reacts to tummy time by feeling it out together.
• Setting up a routine for tummy time will assist your baby in becoming accustomed to this position.
• Keep the infant in a few different play positions and face them in different directions.
• Tummy time is crucial for infant development, but it isn't always as simple as laying out a blanket and some cushions for play.
• A few suggestions to ease the transition to tummy time for you and your infant: It's possible that the infant's crying stems from his anxiety at being separated from his mother.
• Talking and playing with the infant will reassure them and make the process more manageable.
• Support the infant's chest and stomach with a soft yet firm pillow or a rolled-up blanket.
• As long as the infant is awake and being watched, tummy time can be practised on a bed instead.
• If your baby starts to cry during tummy time, try to ignore it for a moment before picking them up.
• Try side-lying the baby if they have trouble adjusting to the inverted perspective.
• Tummy time is essential for your baby's growth, but if they aren't enjoying it, neither you nor your baby should force it.
• Try to do 30 minutes of tummy time every day, varying between carries and various positions, even if your baby doesn't like it.
• Now that we've covered the benefits of stomach time, some adequate tummy time practises, and some expected developmental milestones, let's talk about some additional ways to make the most of this time!
• Don't ever put a sleeping infant on their stomach; tummy time should only be done when the baby is awake and being watched.