Tummy Time has become an increasingly important activity in a baby’s daily routine. Now that infants are required by pediatricians to sleep on their backs, it is critical that parents provide tummy time several times a day.

Why?

A tummy position is one of the best ways a baby builds muscles. When on the tummy, your baby’s neck, shoulder, arms, fingers, torso, legs, feet, toes all get plenty of exercise for building strong muscles. It also allows baby to practice balance. Tummy time gets baby in shape to sit, crawl, stand, and then walk. There is even speculation that this early exercise of fingers pushing into a surface, effects handwriting skills later on.

Tummy Time also gets your baby off of the back of her head on a regular basis. Soft little heads will start to flatten if they spend too much time against the mattress, the car seat, bouncy seat, and swing. Make sure baby is upright in your arms or having tummy time part of the day.

Make Tummy Time Fun!

I recommend tummy time three times a day, twenty minutes at a time, or until baby doesn’t like it any more. Tummy time should be as much a part of baby’s daily routine as feeding, diapering, sleeping, and playing. It’s our job to make tummy time a fun experience and that is what we talk about next!

You will hear Moms say that their baby doesn’t like tummy time, so they just don’t do it. Now that you know how important it is, let’s think of a variety of ways to get the benefits.

A traditional tummy time will look like this; A blanket is on the floor and baby is laid face down on the blanket. In order for baby to have any control of the situation, she needs to be placed so that her elbows are under her shoulders. Her hands will be together at midline and she can lay her head on her hands to rest. She is now in the position to lift her head and to push fingers and hands into the blanket for a baby work out.

Try This For Babies Who Don’t Like To Do It Alone:

Sit on the blanket with legs crossed. Place baby so that her chest is balanced over the top of your leg. Her legs should be INSIDE your crossed legs. That way, she can push against your other leg for comforting support. Her elbows should be under her shoulders and hands together. Now she can raise her head to look around at her world or lay her head on her hands to rest. She is touching her beloved caregiver and is all warm and connected. Perfect! Over time, even a baby who does not like to be separated from Mom can be slowly moved onto a blanket. Try adjusting baby to the outside of your leg, bodies touching, as you sit with her. Eventually, she will be happy not touching you for a while.