Tummy time for babies is a necessity for proper physical and milestone development. Placing your baby on their tummies for brief periods of time helps them to develop not only strength, but also it helps to promote motor skills. Take a look below at some of the important benefits of tummy time by age according to the experts.
Newborn
Although many may not think so, tummy time is extremely important for newborns. Parents can begin newborn tummy time by laying their infant on their tummies across their laps. Make sure that they are very close to you to avoid falls. You can also try tummy time on your chest. Talk to them when they try to raise their heads to look at you!
1-3 Months Old
Babies between 1 and 3 months can also practice tummy time on your lap or chest. At this age, you can actually move them to the floor. Place a blanket down first but ensure that it is not a fluffy one. Don’t attempt tummy time unless your little one is completely awake.
4 Months Old and Up
As your little one gets older, you can start to make tummy time more fun. Lay them down on a blanket on the floor and try placing a favorite toy in front of them. This will encourage them to look up and reach.
What could happen if your baby does not get enough tummy time?
Risks of not getting enough tummy time can include: the little one is slower to reach physical milestones like sitting and rolling than babies who do get enough tummy time. And, babies that don’t get enough tummy time may also be slower to develop communication skills. Regular tummy time can also help to prevent positional plagiocephaly.
Want more information on how to successfully institute tummy time into your bundle of joy’s daily routine? Click here, for ten tips for tummy time by pediatric physiotherapist Dr. Dina Kulik.
