Find out how you can encourage your baby to spend more time on his tummy.
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Tummy time is something every young baby should have the opportunity to do. Encouraging your baby to spend time on his tummy develops important muscles and physical skills.
When your baby’s on his tummy, he has to push up and turn his neck to see and hear the world around him. These movements are great for developing his upper body strength.
This strength will help your baby learn to push up, roll over, sit, crawl, and pull to a standing position. Tummy time also reduces the chance of your baby developing a flat spot on his head from spending too much time on his back.
Try to do tummy time when your baby is a newborn and put him on his front as often as you can when he’s awake. Starting this habit from the day he’s born will help your baby get used to tummy time so he can learn to enjoy the position.
One great way to do tummy time with your baby is to place him on your tummy. Your baby will love this position, because when he lifts his little head up, he’ll see his favourite person in the whole world. You!
A second and popular way to practise tummy time is on the floor. Pull your baby’s arms in and place them folded under his head. Don’t worry if he fights to pull his arms out, he’s actually helping to strengthen and build up his muscles. Keep propping him up on his arms and let him wriggle away. You can also use a rolled-up blanket, placed underneath his arms.
Bring your face to your baby's level so you're 20cm to 25cm (8 inches to 10 inches) apart. Or you could hold up a mirror in front of your baby. Babies love to see faces, so this will motivate him to lift and move his head in response to his reflection.
The third position has your baby facing down on your lap, laid across your knees. Support your baby’s head and neck with one knee and his bottom with the other. Let his tummy and arms hang down and relax, while you gently pat and rock him. If your baby wants to see or hear anything, he’ll have to lift his head, developing those all-important neck muscles. If he falls asleep in this position, roll him on to his back for safety.
The tummy carry is a great position when you're on the move. Turn your baby so that he's face down. Place one arm under his chin using the palm of your hand to support his chest. Then slide your other forearm between his legs and place your hand on his tummy for added support.
The aeroplane position is great for babies who have good head control. Lie on your back and bend your legs. Put your baby's tummy against your shins with his head at your knees. Then lift your feet off the floor while holding on to your baby firmly.
Give several of these positions a try. Most likely, you'll stick with the one or two positions that your baby likes best.
No matter what position you use, consider these tips to help keep tummy time enjoyable and safe.
Incorporate tummy time into your daily routine. For example, after you change your baby’s nappy, turn him on to his tummy for a minute or two, or longer if he’s happy there. You can use toys and books to entice your baby and get him to lift and turn his head. Again, if you have older children, why not get them involved in the fun?
Always watch your baby closely during tummy time. Never leave him alone, even for a second.
You may want to do tummy time before your baby's nap as tummy time can be very exhausting for babies!
If your baby is prone to reflux or spitting up, leave tummy time until 30 minutes or 45 minutes after feeding.
If your baby doesn't like tummy time, don't worry. It’s common for babies not to enjoy it at first. It can be a challenge, but if you stick with it your baby will get stronger and tolerate it better. Just remember to start with a few seconds of tummy time and then gradually increase the length of the session as his confidence increases.
If your baby starts to cry, try to keep him on his tummy a little longer by talking or playing with him. When you know he's had enough, pick him up and try again later.
Your baby may fuss at tummy time because there’s something in particular bothering him. See if you can identify the problem, whether it’s his arms being stuck under his body or the texture of the carpet. Putting him on his favourite blanket or a soft towel might help.
By the time your baby is three months old, try to aim for at least 30 minutes to 60 minutes on his tummy every day. As he gets older and stronger, the floor will probably become the best place to practise tummy time.
Your health visitor will check your baby’s development in the early months. Tummy time is a great way to develop and build those strong neck muscles that your health visitor will be looking for. By giving your baby a chance to develop his muscles, you will be helping to stimulate his physical development.
