Most new parents would have heard the term ‘tummy-time’ flung around them at some point or the other. Sleep Time- Back and Play Time, Tummy time for babies is the mantra that new parents are given. In the Western world, various campaigns to reduce incidents of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in the 90s were successfully run to make babies sleep on their backs but this resulted in fewer babies meeting motor-related milestones.
This, in turn, led to an increase in more importance being given to tummy time for babies. In India, we more commonly use equipment such as cribs, cradles, car seats, bouncy chairs, and prams which leads to a baby having less time to work on strengthening muscles. Tummy time can help give babies the additional time they need to work on their muscles.
In This Article
- What Is Meant By Tummy Time For Babies?
- When To Start Tummy Time For A Baby?
- What Are The Benefits Of Tummy Time For Infants?
- How To Start Tummy Time For Babies?
- What If The Baby Does Not Like Tummy Time?
- How Can I Make My Baby Like Tummy Time?
- What Are The Other Alternative Positions For Tummy-Time?
- How Much And For How Long Should I Give My Baby Tummy Time?
- FAQ’s
What Is Meant By Tummy-Time For Babies?
Tummy time, as the name suggests, is when the baby is placed on his/her tummy. Mostly, a baby spends their time sleeping, and a baby should always sleep on their back – never deviate from this rule. Sleeping on the back helps in preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.
Tummy time should make up a lot of the baby’s floor playtime. When the baby is on the tummy, it allows them to develop control of their body, starting with the head, shoulders, and all the way down to the toes. The first sign of having mastered control is when the baby turns his/her head to look around.
When To Start Tummy Time For A Baby?
Babies can start tummy time right from birth. The idea is to simply flip your baby’s tummy down for a while. You could choose to wait till the umbilical stump falls off, and the baby seems uncomfortable during tummy time. Some parents begin tummy time play for about a minute or two at 1-2 months when babies can hold their heads up for a short time.
Others prefer starting at 3-4 months when the muscles are stronger, especially at the neck and shoulders. The key is to start tummy time when your baby is in a good mood – like after a nap or a diaper change and has been fed at least an hour before so that spitting out can be avoided.
What Are The Benefits Of Tummy Time For Infants?
Tummy time helps as it is a good core body workout. It strengthens muscles needed for rolling over, sitting, and crawling and gives your baby the ultimate workout. Tummy time also helps in the development of gross motor skills and hones some lesser-used muscle groups.
Another advantage of tummy time is that it reduces the time spent on the back. Babies have soft skulls and lying in one position for too long can change the shape of the skull. Too much back time can result in a flat head and a tilted neck. A baby generally sleeps most of the time, and the head usually rests in one favored position.
This can result in a flat head as the baby’s skull is soft and keeping it in the same position for a long time can create a flat spot. Tummy time also offers your baby plenty of time to master head control and gives him relief from gas in the stomach. Plus, the baby gets to see the world from another angle altogether.
Another research suggests that babies who have ample tummy time start to roll, sit and crawl earlier than babies who do not have tummy time.
How To Start Tummy Time For Babies?
A good approach as with most baby-related things is to ease them into the new routine. Start with a few minutes at a time, allowing your little one to get used to the new position and gradually increase the duration.
What If The Baby Does Not Like Tummy Time?
Many times, babies are uncomfortable or dislike the tummy position. This is because tummy time can be tough – it could make the baby do some extra work. The trick here is to make it a daily practice and keep the baby motivated and interested.
While parents shouldn’t get stressed over this trend as babies eventually gain enough strength to roll over, sit up and start walking, a little workout never harmed anyone. Keeping toys around the baby during tummy time can help to improve coordination and fine motor skills as they attempt to reach out and grab them.
Some parents experience good tummy times when giving the baby a massage or after a bath. The key is to remember that the baby should enjoy it, so select a time when your baby is alert, cheerful, and playful, and not immediately after a meal.
How Can I Make My Baby Like Tummy Time?
Who likes to exercise, right? It is but natural for your baby to dislike her tummy time given the physical tiredness involved. So how do you make tummy time fun for your baby?
1. Get Down
Do not just sit there after plopping your baby on their stomach. Get down to their level, make eye contact, sing songs, talk, make funny faces and noises, and be their workout buddy.
2. Take It Slow
No matter how important tummy time is, do not push your baby beyond her comfort zone. If she starts to cry or get irritated in the process, she will probably not like to do it at all the next time
3. Set Their Favorite Toys
In a bid to encourage your baby to practice tummy time, try placing their favorite toys or colorful books at a suitable distance so that they get tempted to reach them
4. Prop A Towel
Some babies who dislike tummy time respond better when a rolled-up towel is placed under their chest so as to provide them support
5. Appreciate And Reward
When your tot reaches a toy and grabs it, make sure you appreciate her efforts by praising, clapping, and lots of cuddling. The best rewards for a baby!
What Are The Other Alternative Positions For Tummy-Time For Babies?
For newborns, these positions can be tried:
- Instead of calming a baby on your shoulder, occasionally try laying the baby’s tummy down across your lap, supporting the baby over the bottom.
- Enjoy some quality time by placing the baby’s tummy down on your tummy or chest.
- Carry the baby lengthwise, tummy down instead of upright, supporting the baby against your body.
- When on the tummy, get down to your baby’s level and talk, sing, and smile while changing positions to encourage head-lifting and turning.
As the baby grows, the routine can include
- Propping the baby with a rolled-up blanket or flat pillow
- Placing them in a baby gym or scattering interesting toys, books, or a mirror nearby to keep him occupied
- Playing “airplane.” Fly baby around the room, tummy down
Whenever you decide to introduce tummy time, remember to keep it relaxed and fun for both of you. It’s a great way to bond, but when the baby gets tired or fussy, try another position.
How Much And For How Long Should I Give My Baby Tummy Time?
While some pediatricians advise giving babies tummy time immediately after birth, for around a few seconds to a minute or two, others are of the view that babies should be given tummy time as and when they like it. 15 seconds, or 15 minutes, let the baby decide the same. Start by giving tummy time at least once a day, slowly graduating to 2-3 sessions per day.
If the baby doesn’t seem to like her tummy time, step back and try again after a few days’ break. Or you could shorten the session times to see if the baby likes to do it for a lesser time than what you deem fit. As long as your baby gets tummy time, no matter how little, she will still benefit from it.
The first year of life for babies is all about developing motor skills. From birth, they are constantly learning how to control their body and use it to move around and explore the world around them. Three months of age is the milestone by which babies are expected to have control of their head and neck and pull up using their arms. In case this milestone has not been achieved, or significant tilting of the head to one side or flattening of the head has been noticed please consult your pediatrician as soon as possible.
FAQ’s
1. Does Tummy Time Help With Gas?
Infants with gas pains benefit from being placed on their stomachs. Tummy time helps relieve gas by gradually raising the pressure within the baby’s stomach, thereby pushing gas bubbles up and out.
2. Is It Okay To Let My Baby Cry During Tummy Time?
Babies may cry during tummy time because it is difficult for them to raise their head against gravity. Don’t immediately pick up your baby if they cry or becomes restless during tummy time. To begin with, try alternative methods of consolation, such as caressing their back or singing to them.
3. Does Chest Count Tummy Time?
Chest to chest time with a parent can be counted as tummy time. But keep in mind that it is resistance against a solid surface that aids in muscular development. That’s difficult to do when your child is resting on your chest.
