by: https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/tummy-time/
Tummy Time is the time during the day your baby spends on their tummy while they are awake. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends Back to Sleep, spending time on their tummy while awake is crucial for baby’s development.
Why does my baby need Tummy Time?
Tummy Time helps your baby develop the neck, back, and shoulder muscles needed to meet infant developmental milestones. It may also help prevent early motor delays and conditions such as flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) and twisted neck (positional torticollis). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep and on their tummies to play.
When should my baby start Tummy Time?
Tummy Time can begin as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital.
How much Tummy Time does my baby need?
Your baby should work up to an hour of Tummy Time per day by 3 months of age. Aim for a few minutes at a time, several times a day.
Tummy to Tummy or Tummy to Chest
Lie down on the floor or a bed, flat or propped up on pillows. Place baby on your chest or tummy, so that you’re face-to-face. Always hold firmly for safety.
Tummy Down Carry or Football Hold
Position one hand under the tummy and between the legs and carry baby tummy down. Use other hand to support baby’s head and neck. Nestle baby close to your body to help get baby accustomed to the position.
Lap Soothe
Place baby face down across your lap to burp or soothe them. A hand on baby’s bottom will help steady and calm them
Eye-Level Smile
Get down level with your baby to encourage eye contact. Roll up and place a blanket under the chest and upper arms for added support.
Tummy Minute
Place your baby on their tummy for one or two minutes after every diaper change. Start a few minutes at a time and try to work up to an hour a day in shorter intervals by the end of three months.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play!
Don’t get discouraged. Every bit of Tummy Time with your baby makes a difference. If you have done plenty of Tummy Time with baby, but are concerned they are not meeting their milestones, bring your concerns to baby’s pediatrician or healthcare provider.
Many parents hear Tummy Time is important and know doing Tummy Time helps baby build muscles and skills to meet their future motor milestones. But how do you know baby is making progress during Tummy Time? Use these abilities to ensure baby is continuing to develop though Tummy Time. Don’t forget: baby should be continuing to spend longer amounts of time on their tummy and eventually, they may even prefer their tummy to their back.
Tip at 2 Weeks: Many parents like Tummy to Tummy for their newborn. This allows you to be face to face with baby and enjoy lots of baby cuddles!
Tip at 1 Month: To make it easier for baby to lift their head, place a rolled up towel or receiving blanket under baby’s chest and armpits.
Tip at 2 Months: Face baby different directions in their crib each night to help develop neck muscles by turning a different direction to look at you each morning.
Tip at 3 Months: Place baby tummy down on an exercise ball holding their sides for support. Slowly move the ball towards and away from you allowing baby to lift and hold their head easier.
Tip at 4 Months: Babies love faces! Even their own! Use mirrors during Tummy Time to help keep them engaged and having fun.
Tip at 5 Months: Do baby push-ups. Place hands under baby’s chest and tummy. Use gentle lifting cues to get baby to push up on hands for brief periods.
Tip at 6 Months: Encourage baby to practice rolling and moving while on their tummy. Use toys to keep them motivated!
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