Quick Insight:
Mummy and Daddy, tummy time—the supervised moments I spend on my belly while awake—plays a key role in my physical & milestone development. This is what helps me build the muscles and coordination that I need for sitting, crawling, and walking. Here are some great tips on how to make tummy time positive for me.
Understanding Tummy Time
Mummy and Daddy, tummy time isn't just for fun; it is important! Tummy time, obviously, strengthens my muscles and develops coordination. This will help significantly in the long run by cutting the risk of plagiocephaly—flat head syndrome—and really getting to know my body better. The Healthcare says I should start the tummy time from birth. We can do it on a play gym, with an exercise soft baby ball, or just a blanket on the floor. The key is to make sure I'm awake and supervised on a comfortable, firm surface.
Starting Tummy Time
We can start tummy time right from birth. In the beginning, I might prefer lying on your chest, especially before my umbilical cord stump falls off. This helps me get used to the position. Babies who start tummy time early tend to enjoy it more as they grow.
Duration and Frequency
How long and often we do tummy time depends on my age and how much I like it. As a newborn, I might only handle a few minutes several times a day, but as I grow, I can do it for longer. Tinyvers suggests at least twelve times a day, adjusting as needed to really keep it fun for me.
Enhancing Tummy Time
This we can make more interesting with some newborn activities, hanging toys for cribs, high contrast black & white cards and infant toys during tummy time. Pictures in high contrast learning cards and toys with sounds will capture my interest, thus making time on the tummy more enjoyable. As I continue improving in lifting my head and grabbing things, we may add some sensory toys that I may grasp and have even more fun.
Developmental Benefits
Tummy time does so much more than works my muscles. It helps my digestion, breathing, oral motor functions, and sensory regulation. Plus, it helps me develop body awareness and balance as I learn to shift my weight and move around.
Addressing Dislike for Tummy Time
If I don't seem to like tummy time, there are other ways we can do it. They suggests different holds, such as the football hold, or having an incline so it is more comfortable for me. The goal is to find a way of doing tummy time that I like & enjoy and can gradually build my strength.
Safety and Tips
Safety is important during tummy time. Always supervise me and make sure that I am positioned on my stomach, on a safe and flat surface. If I fall asleep during tummy time, move me to my back on a firm surface. Do tummy time approximately about 20 minutes after feeding so that I don't get uncomfortable and spit up.
FAQs Addressed by a Pediatric OT
They talk about how to keep me interested in lifting my head and how to manage tummy time if I have reflux. Their advice is to be patient, responsive, and not to force tummy time if it makes me upset.
Momma, Daddy, tummy time is huge in my development program. It's helping me glue many of the main skills together. With the right approach, we can make a positive experience out of tummy time—one that will enrich both of us. Follow along with Tinyvers Activity Kit 1 & Monthly learning Montessori box 5 for more tummy time toys and additional activities to make tummy time enriching, as well as their other Tinyvers Activity Kits & Montessori boxes designed just for me.