Life with a baby is full of firsts. You’ll experience their first word, first smile, first laugh, the first time they roll over, and more. You might not think twice about exercise being one of those firsts, but they start earlier than you think. While they won’t be lifting weights any time in the near future, tummy time is not only the first, but also one of the most important exercises they can do at that age to develop visual, motor and sensory skills. So, what exactly is tummy time and how does it work?
What is tummy time?
Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the short amount of time your baby spends on their stomach when they’re awake under supervision. It may not seem like much, but spending time on their stomach is essential to their growth and development.
The Mayo Clinic recommends placing your baby on their stomach for 3-5 minutes a few times a day. As they get older, they’ll get a stronger and more used to the feeling of being in this new position. Slowly increase the amount of time they spend on their stomach until they’re spending a total of an hour a day on their tummy.
How soon are you supposed to start? Practice makes perfect – you can begin the day you bring them home from the hospital and continue to practice throughout their first year.
How does it help your baby’s development?
Babies need tummy time to learn and develop. It strengthens the muscles in their neck and shoulders so they can eventually do things like sit up, roll over, crawl and walk. When they’re on their stomach, they’re looking down at their hands, watching them move. This helps them learn how to use their hands more and develop hand-eye coordination. They’ll also start gaining a sense of body awareness as they become more active with their movements and discover different textures through touch.
Spending tummy time with your baby.
Tummy time isn’t just for babies! It’s also the perfect time to bond with them. When they’re younger, tummy time should be done with them belly-down on your chest. Babies love looking at faces so they’ll likely want to try to look up at you and see what’s going on. As they get a little older, you can start placing a blanket or play mat on the floor and lay down too, so you are both eye-to-eye. Play with toys as a way to encourage them to lift their head and reach with their hands.
When it comes to your baby’s development, it’s never too early to start ways to help them grow. And as they grow and get stronger, you’ll have so much fun celebrating as they reach their next milestones.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medications or treatment. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Resources:
Pathways.org. Tummy time. https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/tummy-time/
Mayo Clinic. Infant and toddler health. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/tummy-time/faq-20057755
WebMD. 8 Tummy Time Tips for your Baby. https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/tummy-time#2
Kidshealth.org. Tummy time. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tummy-time.html
