As a new parent, you may have heard the term “Tummy Time” thrown around often. But what exactly is it and why Tummy time for new born is important? Tummy Time refers to the act of placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. It may seem like a simple activity, but it plays a crucial role in your baby’s development. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of Tummy Time for newborns, when to start, how long it should last, and tips on how to make it an enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. So let’s dive in!
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy Time is a simple activity that involves placing your newborn on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. It’s called Tummy Time because your baby will spend time lying on their tummy, which helps to strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, and back.
During Tummy Time, your baby will be able to lift their head and look around at the world from a different perspective. This is an important milestone in their development as it helps them build strength and develop motor skills necessary for crawling and eventually walking.
It’s recommended that babies start Tummy Time as early as possible – even just a few minutes at a time can make a difference. As they grow older and stronger, you can gradually increase the amount of time spent on their tummy.
It’s important to remember that Tummy Time should always be supervised to ensure your baby’s safety. And if your little one doesn’t enjoy being on their tummy at first, don’t worry! With patience and practice, they’ll get used to it over time.
Why is Tummy Time important for New Born?
Tummy time refers to the activity of placing a new born on their belly while they are awake and supervised. This simple exercise is crucial for your baby’s development, especially during the first few months of life.
Tummy time helps your baby develop strong muscles in their neck and shoulders that will eventually support them as they learn to sit up, crawl, and walk. It also strengthens their back muscles which are necessary for good posture later in life.
In addition to physical benefits, tummy time allows babies to explore their environment from a different perspective. By being on their belly, they can see things from a different angle than when lying on their backs or sitting up.
Research has also shown that tummy time may reduce the risk of flat spots developing on your baby’s head since it puts pressure on different areas than when lying down all day.
Incorporating tummy time into your daily routine is an important aspect of promoting healthy development for your newborn.
How to do Tummy Time with your New Born?
Tummy time is an essential activity for newborns, but how do you go about doing it? Here are some tips on making tummy time enjoyable and beneficial for your little one.
Choose a safe and comfortable area where your baby can lie on their tummy. A play mat or soft surface is ideal. Make sure there are no objects around that could be a hazard.
Next, get down on the floor with your baby and encourage them to lift their head by placing toys in front of them. You can also talk to them or make silly noises to keep them engaged.
If your baby seems uncomfortable or fussy during tummy time, try placing a rolled-up towel under their chest for support. This will help take pressure off their arms and allow them to focus on lifting their head.
Remember that tummy time doesn’t have to last long – even just a few minutes several times a day can be beneficial for strengthening neck muscles and promoting motor development.
The key is to make tummy time fun and engaging for both you and your little one!
When to start Tummy Time with your New Born?
As a new parent, it’s natural to want to start Tummy Time with your newborn as soon as possible. However, it’s important to wait until you and your baby are both ready for this activity.
Most experts suggest starting Tummy Time when your baby is around 2-3 weeks old. At this point, their neck muscles are stronger and they’re more able to hold their head up for short periods of time.
It’s also important to make sure that your newborn is fed, well-rested and in a good mood before starting Tummy Time. This will help them feel comfortable on their tummy and enjoy the experience.
If you notice any resistance or discomfort during Tummy Time, take a break and try again later. Remember that every baby is different, so don’t worry if your little one needs some extra time before enjoying tummy playtime.
Always supervise your infant during Tummy Time sessions and never leave them unattended. With patience and practice, you’ll find the best way to integrate Tummy Time into your daily routine while keeping things safe and fun for everyone involved!
How long should Tummy Time last for New Borns?
Tummy Time is an essential exercise for a newborn baby’s physical development. However, it is important to remember that babies have very little neck and head control in the first few months of their lives, so you should start with short periods of Tummy Time and gradually increase them.
Newborns should only spend a few minutes on their tummies at first. As your child starts building strength in his or her neck muscles, you can slowly increase the duration of this activity.
By three months old, your baby should be spending about 20-30 minutes on their tummy each day. This time can be broken into smaller sessions throughout the day to prevent tiring out your baby too quickly.
Around four months old, when babies start rolling over independently, they will no longer need as much Tummy Time as before. However, it’s still important to include some tummy time during playtime sessions. Remember that every child develops differently; therefore there isn’t a set amount of time for all newborns – Some might enjoy more while others may not tolerate even less! The most crucial thing is being patient and following your child’s lead – if they fuss or seem uncomfortable after just a couple of minutes on their belly then try again later!
What if my New Born doesn’t like Tummy Time?
It’s not uncommon for some newborns to resist tummy time, and it can be frustrating for parents who want their baby to experience the benefits of this activity. However, there are several things you can try if your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy being on their stomach.
Start with short sessions of tummy time and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable. You may also want to try different surfaces such as a blanket or play mat to see if your baby prefers a certain texture.
Another tip is to use toys or objects that capture their attention while they’re on their stomach. This could be something colorful or noisy that will encourage them to lift their head and engage in the activity.
If your newborn still resists tummy time despite these efforts, don’t worry too much. It’s important not to force them into an uncomfortable position as it could lead to further aversion towards this exercise. Instead, focus on other ways you can help develop their motor skills such as holding them upright or practicing gentle stretches.
Remember that every child develops at their own pace and forcing activities upon them does not always yield positive results. Keep trying different approaches until you find what works best for your little one!
Conclusion
Tummy Time is an essential part of a newborn’s development and should be incorporated into their daily routine from the very beginning. It helps strengthen their head, neck, and upper body muscles, while also promoting sensory development and preventing flat head syndrome.
Remember to start Tummy Time early on in your baby’s life, gradually increasing the duration as they grow stronger. Don’t worry if your little one doesn’t seem to enjoy it at first – keep practicing with patience and positivity.
With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can make Tummy Time a fun bonding experience for both you and your newborn. So get down on the floor together today – happy playing!
