As a baby blogger and a new parent navigating the early stages of baby development, one of the essential activities that have greatly benefited my baby is "tummy time." However, I admittedly hated this process at first. My daughter would wail every time I made her lay on her tummy even for just a second. It took much trial and error to find a routine that worked best for us and allowed her to get the time she needed without the protest. Tummy time might sound simple—laying your baby on their stomach—but it can be stressful for some. Below are some fun ways to engage your baby during these sessions and a breakdown of why it's such a powerful tool to aid in your baby’s development.
Why Is Tummy Time Important?
Tummy time is crucial for several reasons:
- Develops Motor Skills: Tummy time helps your baby develop strong neck and shoulder muscles, and promotes motor skills. By pushing up on their arms, your baby strengthens the muscles needed for rolling over, crawling, and eventually walking.
- Prevents Flat Spots: Since babies spend a lot of time on their backs, especially when sleeping, tummy time offers a crucial break which helps prevent the development of flat spots on the back of the head.
- Enhances Cognitive Skills: During tummy time, babies look around, reaching and reacting to their environment, which enhances their sensory skills and cognitive development.
- Improves Visual Skills: As babies try to look around, they develop eye coordination and depth perception.
Start tummy time when your baby is a newborn, laying them on your chest or lap for a few minutes at a time. As they grow and become more accustomed to the position, you can extend the duration and move tummy time to a flat surface, like a mat on the floor.
Fun Tummy Time Activities and Games
- Mirror Magic: Place a safe baby mirror on the floor next to your baby. Babies love faces, and seeing their own reflection can encourage them to lift their head and push up on their arms.
- Engaging Toys: Arrange brightly colored toys just within reach. This encourages your baby to reach out, thus developing hand-eye coordination and building arm strength.
- Reading Time: Lie down on your stomach opposite your baby with a simple picture book. As you flip through the pages, describe the pictures. This not only keeps them engaged but also fosters a love for books early on.
- Sing-Along Sessions: Sing songs or play soft music during tummy time. Make eye contact and use facial expressions to interact. This can be soothing and makes tummy time a more enjoyable experience.
- Bubble Play: If your baby is a bit older, blowing bubbles during tummy time can be fascinating for them. The movement of the bubbles encourages babies to track with their eyes and reach out to touch, enhancing motor skills and visual tracking.
- Follow the Leader: Use a favorite toy and move it around in front of your baby to encourage head turning and reaching. This helps develop neck strength and coordination.
- Always supervise your baby during tummy time.
- If your baby seems frustrated or upset, try shortening the sessions or using a rolled towel under their chest for support.
- Be patient. Some babies take longer to enjoy tummy time, but consistency is key.