The Importance of Infant Tummy Time

We Love to Promote Tummy Time! Here's Why:

Tummy time is essential for all babies. Promoted for decades; tummy time helps broaden any baby’s horizons and it allows them to take in all kinds of sights and sounds, while growing physically and emotionally. If your baby is just about to turn two months old, it’s time to start implementing this positive practice if you haven’t already. Read on to learn all about its importance, as well as how you can get an area set up in your home.

Here are a few benefits of your child doing tummy time:

• Strengthens the neck and back.
• Promotes rolling, pushing up on all fours, scooting, and eventually crawling.
• Encourages grasping and reaching.
• Exposes a baby to a variety of colors, sounds, textures, and mirrored images.
• Serves as bonding time for parents, siblings, and the baby itself.
• Allows a baby to safely explore their surroundings.

How to Set up Tummy Time

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to implement tummy time. A blanket will do! Simply roll it across the ground and place graspable toys that your baby could shake and make noise with, and other items of various textures, sizes, and colors. Little, soft balls are also popular to spread across a tummy time blanket or mat. This helps your baby attempt to reach for it; strengthening their total body.

There are also a number of play gyms that are designated solely for tummy time. They too spread out on the floor and are loaded with built in activities. Your baby can reach for hanging objects, kick and wiggle, look into a mirror, and enjoy soothing music. Some even have built in teethers.

When Should I Have Tummy Time?

Tummy time is most appropriate when your baby turns two or three months old, but it can be done earlier with your supervision. Tummy time should continue until your baby is solidly crawling or creeping around objects while standing or pulling themselves up.

Some parents have tummy time first thing in the morning when their baby wakes up because they are full of energy. Others do it before a nap to tire them out. Some parents implement tummy time a few times a day. It’s suggested the minimum amount of time you place your baby on their tummy is about 20 minutes.

Additional Tips:

• While tummy time is all about promoting self-discovery and strength, you shouldn’t leave your baby on the floor alone-ever. Accidents happen quickly, so your child should always be monitored, especially if you have pets or other children who will be around your little one.
• You should also periodically inspect all attached parts and manipulatives on the play gym to make sure they are strong and secure so they won’t pose as a choking hazard. Breathable mats and blankets are also the way to go, and always avoid large stuffed animals or objects that could potentially smother your child.
• If you are a working parent, consider discussing with your caregiver the importance of tummy time and asking them to implement it as a part of your baby’s daily routine.

Tummy time is very beneficial to all aspects of a baby’s development. It doesn’t take a lot of time, energy, and effort; and your baby will enjoy spending time with you, their caregiver, and investigating their surroundings each day.