5 Tummy Time Tips You Can Do Today

I am giving you 5 tummy time tips that you can do with your baby today!

Tummy time can be a challenge for you and your baby. I can tell you this by my own experience with my daughter Evelyn. However, tummy time can be a success with persistence and patience. Taking a few seconds throughout the day for tummy time is more than enough for success. I will be giving you my tummy time tips I did with Evelyn.

There is no exact age to start at but as long your baby was full-term and healthy you can start as early as day one home from the hospital. Personaly we let Evelyn settle in a little before starting tummy time. Like most things in life, starting is the hardest part. I didn’t start tummy time until her umbilical stump fell off, which was at 5 weeks.

Keep in mind all children are unique, never compare children to others. My daughter was born full-term and healthy, thank God!

Tummy Time Tips for Success

1. Do tummy time a few seconds throughout the day. Few seconds is better than non at all. Every second counts and eventually seconds will turn into minutes.
2. Do tummy time when baby is happy and calm. I would extend tummy time after her bath time when she would be calm and relaxed.
3. Make tummy time fun! Place toys near. Use rattles and mirrors to encourage visual tracking.
4. Lay on your tummy too and play and sing to the baby. They love your face.
5. Stop when baby is upset. Don’t force it. It won’t be pleasant for you and the baby.

Benefits of Tummy Time

According to Pathways, tummy time is crucial for healthy motor, sensory, and visual development.

Motor:

• Strengthens baby’s back, neck, and core muscles.
• Build a foundation for baby to meet motor milestones including rolling, sitting, crawling, and more.

Sensory:

• Feeling different textures (blankets, carpet, etc.) on their arms, hands, and cheeks can help baby’s tactile sense (sense of touch).
• As baby moves and their weight shifts, they gain a sense of body awareness.
• Positioning baby differently helps develop their movement and balance (vestibular sense).

Vision:

• Helps develop eye and hand coordination. By looking down at their hands, baby is seeing how they move and what they can do.

Toys that helped with Tummy Time

The Play Gym by Lovevery

• mat
• mirror
• tummy time spin and explore
• water mat
• toys to reach

Remember: Every bit of Tummy Time makes a difference!

Don’t get discouraged. If you have done plenty of Tummy Time with baby, but are concerned they are not meeting their milestones, bring your concerns to baby’s pediatrician or healthcare provider.

Learn More About Early Detection and Intervention