Tummy Time is Essential for Your Baby’s Development
On the Tummy to Play – On the Back to Sleep
Most new parents know about the significance of placing their baby on the back to sleep but may not appreciate the importance of placing their baby on the tummy for play. Many babies are still missing out on this important daily developmental movement activity.
When you prepare a special place on the floor to participate in Tummy Time each day, you are providing a nurturing environment that encourages your baby’s natural movement development. From this dynamic foundation babies become active explorers, expressive communicators and self-motivated learners.
Tummy Time for Two
When you are also on the floor, you can share in the joy of moving and learning together. Before you know it Tummy Time will become your baby’s favorite activity to do several times a day. When you play at your baby’s level, you can extend your baby’s social time by your warm attention, smiles and vocalizing your encouragement. Following your baby’s lead, you can create spontaneous games that enhance your growing relationship.
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During the first few months, Tummy Time helps babies develop their neck muscles to lift and hold their head up. As babies lift their head higher, they begin to support themselves on their forearms. Developing good head and neck control in Tummy Time, three-month-old babies are more visually aware of their surroundings.
Lie down on the floor so your baby can see you:
- Baby on Her Back: Notice if your baby brings her head to midline. Does she bring both hands to her chest, grasp her hands together and look down at her hands?
- Baby on Tummy: Notice if your baby can lift and rotate her head side to side. Three-month-old babies are beginning to bring their head to midline in this position. Is your baby bringing both arms forward to support herself on her forearms?
Some babies may only need a few minutes in Tummy Time but maybe twice a day to become comfortable in this position. Enjoy your Tummy Time explorations together. Let us know if this is helpful and how you are doing.
Can tummy time be started at three months? My child enjoys being on her back but does not tolerate more than a minute or so on her belly? Any suggestions??