How Early Can I Start Tummy Time With My Baby And How Often Should I Do It?

 Tummy time is a crucial activity for infants as it helps them develop their muscles and achieve developmental milestones. It involves placing a baby on their tummy to play and explore, which can strengthen their neck, back, and shoulder muscles.


In this article, we'll discuss what tummy time is, when it should start, and how often it should be done.

What is Tummy Time?

Tummy time is the practice of placing a baby on their stomach for short periods while they are awake and supervised. This helps to strengthen the baby's neck and upper body muscles and can promote healthy development. During tummy time, the baby can practice lifting their head and pushing up with their arms, which can help them develop the strength needed to roll over, crawl, and eventually walk.

When Should Tummy Time Start?

Tummy time can start as early as a baby's first day of life. However, it's important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time the baby spends on their stomach. At first, tummy time sessions may only last a few seconds, but they can be gradually increased over time. It's also important to choose a time when the baby is alert and happy, rather than when they are fussy or hungry.

How Often Should Tummy Time Be Done?

Tummy time should be done daily, starting with short periods of just a few seconds, and gradually increasing as the baby gets stronger. For newborns, tummy time can be done 2-3 times a day for just a few minutes at a time. As the baby gets older and stronger, tummy time sessions can be extended to 10-15 minutes several times a day.

It's important to note that tummy time should always be supervised, and the baby should never be left alone on their stomach. To make tummy time more enjoyable for the baby, parents can use toys or a soft blanket to provide a comfortable surface to play on. A parent can also get down on the floor with the baby and talk, sing or play with toys to make tummy time a fun and interactive experience.

Tummy Time Benefits

Tummy time is an essential part of an infant's development as it provides several benefits, including:

  1. Develops Muscles: Tummy time can help develop a baby's neck, back, and shoulder muscles, which are crucial for achieving developmental milestones.

  2. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome: Spending too much time on their back can cause a baby's head to become flattened. Tummy time can help to prevent this by reducing the pressure on the back of the baby's head.

  3. Enhances Sensory Development: Tummy time can provide a new sensory experience for the baby, as they explore their environment from a different perspective.

  4. Improves Digestion: Tummy time can also help to relieve gas and constipation in infants.

Conclusion

Tummy time is an essential activity for infants and should be started as early as possible, gradually increasing the duration as the baby gets stronger. Tummy time should be done daily and always supervised to ensure the baby's safety. Tummy time provides several benefits, including developing muscles, preventing flat head syndrome, enhancing sensory development, and improving digestion. With regular tummy time, infants can build the strength and coordination necessary to achieve developmental milestones.

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