Tummy time is crucial for a baby’s growth and development, according to the American Pediatric Association. But not all parents know what to do or how to perform tummy time with their babies.
The rule of thumb is “back to sleep and tummy to play”. Back to sleep will help with reduction in SIDS also known as sudden infant death syndrome. Tummy to play will help improve motor development, decrease plagiocephaly (flat head), and strengthen the neck and core muscles.
Check out my post on Torticollis and Plagiocephaly here.
Every baby should be having times throughout the day when parent directed tummy time is being performed, unless the pediatrician explicitly tells you not to perform it. PARENT DIRECTED! Please do not put them on their stomach and walk away until they are rolling and scooting by themselves.
Tummy time will not be easy at first, but they will get used to it and it is in their best interest.
When do you start tummy time?
- Before umbilical cord falls off (0-2weeks): place baby on your chest at an angle. This way they are not putting pressure on the umbilical cord which is still healing.
- After umbilical cord falls off: use your leg or a boppy pillow to get them used to being on their stomach. Then switch them to on the floor completely.
- Place their elbows underneath them to start, then place them on their hands.
- If your child is not lifting their head, rub the neck and back muscles to stimulate them, which will lead them to lifting their head.
How long to perform tummy time?
- Most babies will sleep on your chest for an indefinite amount of time but do it while they are awake too.
- When transitioning to the pillow and floor, start with 5 minutes at a time. They might be fussy when starting but this time will pass. Don’t not do tummy time just because they do not like it.
- As they get older, increase the time on their tummy each week until they are rolling and can do it themselves.
What other activities can you do while on their tummy?
- Put toys in front of them (preferably ones that light up and make noise) to catch their attention and initiate them reaching for the toys.
- For a 0–1-month-old: place a high contrast picture or toy in front of them to get their eyes to accommodate.
- Move toys to each of the baby’s sides so they have to turn their head to look at them. This will strength the rotation muscles.
Making tummy time a habit throughout the day will make it easier for you to remember to perform it. For example, after every diaper change or when they wake up from a nap.
Performing tummy time will help with meeting their developmental milestones. Tummy time is where it all starts!