10 Tips for Happy Tummy Time
Tummy time is when your baby spends time lying on their tummy. Many babies love this activity and others, not so much. If your baby screams and can’t get comfortable, this post will help.
Tummy time became important after the Back to Sleep program came along in 1992. While this program has been very successful in decreasing the number of babies dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or crib death), it has had an unintended consequence—an increased incidence of babies developing positional plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head). To read more on how to prevent those unsightly flat spots read: 10 Ways to Avoid the Baby Helmet.
With babies spending much of their time lying on their backs, either sleeping or sitting in carriers or similar types of baby holding equipment, there are now more babies who develop unsightly flattened areas on their skulls. Tummy time helps reduce that plus aids in building head control.
10 tips to make tummy time a happy time:
- Elevate your baby’s head. This simple step helps most fussy babies enjoy, or at least tolerate, time spent on the tummy. When your baby’s head is higher than their hips, this decreases the force of gravity on the head and makes it easier and more comfortable for your baby.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding. This allows the milk to partially digest and minimizes spitting up. Babies spit up because the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach isn’t fully developed. This muscle strengthens with time. If your baby continues to have trouble, talk to your child’s doctor.
- Do tummy time after each diaper change (if baby is awake). Do not do this on the changing table and never leave your baby unattended. But, after each diaper change (when the baby is calm), do a little tummy time by lying them on your chest. This also keeps their head slightly elevated so it is a win-win.
- Do tummy time after each clothing change. With infants, this can provide frequent opportunities to cuddle your baby on your chest and sing to them. Singing often calms your baby, so sing. They also love skin-to-skin contact so do this when you can.
- Do tummy time immediately after a nap. Many babies are happy upon waking (unless they are hungry) and this is a perfect opportunity to roll them onto their tummy. Again, on your chest or in a slightly elevated position is most comfortable for babies who struggle with lying on a floor mat.
- Lie face-to-face with them on a mat on the floor. This is a wonderful way to engage them to lift their head and look at your face, which is the object of their deepest affection. As they get older and lift their head better, offer a baby-safe mirror or toys in front of them to can engage their curiosity.
- Create a tummy time schedule. Set a timer on your phone or create a schedule on the refrigerator door. A busy and sleep-deprived mom needs reminders. A few minutes per session done frequently is better than a clump of time once a day.
- Slowly increase the time spent on the tummy. Yes, most babies fuss, and some even panic. Check them to ensure they are safe and if so, then let them cry a bit longer each time. Maybe try fifteen seconds longer once the crying starts. This builds up tolerance and teaches your baby they are okay and do not need rescuing the minute they cry. How much time should my baby be able to tolerate tummy time?
- Newborns can do a few minutes at a time with constant supervision. Begin brief tummy time upon arrival home from the hospital.
- By three months of age, your baby should be able to do a total of one hour (total time) per day of tummy time. Divide this hour into shorter sessions during the day to build strength and tolerance.
- By the crawling stage (seven to nine months), tummy time is no longer needed.
- Rotate toys to keep your baby happy and curious. Instead of dumping everything out in front of them at one time, do visual toys only, such as mirrors or black and white cards. Next time, offer musical toys, such as mats that make sounds. Or, textures to touch and explore. Engage as many of your baby’s senses (sound, sight, smell, movement) as you can during tummy time play.
- Sing and talk to your baby a lot. Make up your own songs or create a playlist. Traditional nursery rhymes still teach the best as they incorporate easy melodies and basic language concepts. Narrate the day, such as, “Let’s put this pink hat on your head. It’s cold outside.” Children need to hear the language and lots of it. So, talk, talk, talk, and please refrain from over-using TV or electronic tablets. Science has not proven electronic media builds brainpower.
If your baby continues to struggle and cannot tolerate tummy time even using these suggestions, talk to your child’s doctor and request a referral to a pediatric physical therapist or an evaluation by the early intervention office in your area. There may be something else that needs addressing for you and your baby to enjoy tummy time.
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