Tummy time is simply a time for placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised.
Tummy time encourages babies to build strong muscles in their upper body. Head control is also achieved faster with consistent tummy time practice. It encourages babies to learn to push-up, roll over, crawl and eventually stand up.
Ever wondered when to start tummy time? Tummy time can begin as soon as your baby is home. Due to the umbilical cord stump that is yet to fall off, it is advised to leverage on skin to skin moments for tummy time two to three times a day for about three to five minutes. As the baby grows bigger, work your way up on a weekly basis, aiming for a sum of thirty minutes a day by three months.
How to do tummy time correctly
- For newborns, lie on your back and place the baby on your chest.
- Stay in front of your baby during tummy time to encourage them as they see your face.
- Place a pillow or a small rolled up blanket or towel under your baby’s chest to support them lift their heads.
- Place a mirror in front of your baby so that they can see themselves, it encourages them to lift their heads.
- Place toys just out of reach before the baby to encourage him to move and grab it.
- Schedule tummy time just after a nap or nappy change. An hour after feeding can make a difference because a full stomach can make tummy time unsuccessful.
‘Do not’ around tummy time
- Do not leave babies unattended to during tummy time.
- When babies fall asleep during tummy time, do not let the baby sleep on his tummy. Tummy time is strictly for awake and alert babies.
- Do not place loose blankets under the baby as they could cause hinder movement. Keep the surface flat and neat.
Benefits of Tummy Time
- Tummy time prevents flat spots on the back of the baby’s head.
- Tummy time improves lifting head and chest.
- It improves hand-eye coordination in babies.
- It promotes muscle strength to sit, crawl and walk.