Understanding Tummy Time: Why It Matters for Your Baby
Tummy time is the practice of placing babies on their stomachs for brief periods while they’re awake. This simple activity is crucial for helping babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, which in turn supports the development of essential motor skills.
It’s important to always supervise your baby closely during tummy time to ensure their safety.
What Can Tummy Time Help With?
Tummy time offers several benefits for babies at different stages:
- For Newborns and Infants (1–3 months old):
At this stage, babies are just starting to develop neck control. Tummy time helps strengthen the muscles they’ll need to roll over, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk. Always stay with your baby during tummy time to ensure they are safe and comfortable. - For Older Babies (4–7 months old):
Even as babies get older and can roll over or sit with some assistance, tummy time remains important. It allows them to practice lifting their head and chest higher by straightening their arms, which strengthens their arm, chest, and back muscles. - For Babies with Torticollis:
Torticollis is a condition where tight neck muscles make it difficult for a baby to turn their head. Tummy time encourages babies to look around, which, along with specific exercises recommended by your doctor, can help relax and strengthen your baby’s neck muscles. - For Babies with Flat Head Syndrome (Positional Plagiocephaly):
Flat head syndrome occurs when a baby spends too much time lying on their back during the first few months of life, causing a flat spot to develop on one side or the back of the head. Tummy time helps alleviate pressure on the head, promoting a more rounded head shape.
How to Do Tummy Time
For Newborns:
Start by placing your newborn belly-down on your chest or across your lap for a few minutes, two or three times a day. This position allows them to practice lifting their head and strengthening their neck and shoulder muscles. As your baby becomes more comfortable, you can gradually increase the duration of tummy time.
For Older Babies:
Lay a blanket on a clear area of the floor, and place your baby on their stomach for 3–5 minutes at a time, several times a day. It’s normal for babies to get fussy or frustrated during tummy time, so keep the initial sessions short and gradually lengthen them. It’s best to do tummy time when your baby is fed, changed, and in a good mood.
As your baby gets used to the routine, you can increase the frequency and duration of tummy time, aiming for about 1 hour per day by the time they are 3 months old. To encourage your baby to lift their head and push up, make noises, shake a rattle, or place a favorite toy within reach to stimulate movement and exploration.
For Babies with Torticollis or Flat Head Syndrome:
Tummy time can be particularly beneficial for babies with torticollis or a flat spot. Place your baby on your lap for tummy time, positioning them with their head turned away from you. Talk or sing to your baby to encourage them to turn their head and face you. Aim to do this exercise for 10–15 minutes to help treat both conditions.
What Else Should I Know?
- Always supervise tummy time: Never leave your baby unattended during tummy time.
- Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Safe surface: Perform tummy time on a low, safe surface, such as the floor. Avoid placing your baby on a sofa or bed, where they could roll off or suffocate on pillows or soft bedding.
If your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy tummy time, try adding some variety. Sing songs, place colorful toys nearby, get down on the floor and interact with your baby, and involve other family members. Don’t give up! Tummy time is crucial for your baby’s development, and some babies may just need a bit more time to get used to it.