Essential Tummy Time Tips: Do’s and Don’ts for Your Baby

As the newborn grows, the very first development or activity that parents are overwhelmed to see is turning sideways and eventually lying on the tummy. Parents who have limited knowledge put their children back to lying straight, but the truth is that tummy time is good for babies as it not only gives them ample physical exercise but also boosts their visual, sensory, and motor skills.

Indeed, tummy time is essential, but the real bet is starting at the right time and the right way. If the parents have limited knowledge and are not aware of the tummy time, dos and don’ts, there may be concerns or side effects in the long run. Parents need to be extra cautious while handling the munchkins since the baby cannot convey the discomfort or pain.

In this blog, we will emphasize some practical and easy-to-implement tummy time tips that every new parent should apprehend for the best child-rearing approach.

Understanding Tummy Time

Tummy time is defined as the procedure of making the baby lie on his stomach for a few minutes as part of his activity routine. Healthcare professionals acknowledge that this process stimulates head control and strengthens neck and arm muscles, which play a crucial role in later life in skills like crawling, sitting, and walking. Thus, it lays the foundation for the baby's overall development.

Tummy time is also beneficial in eliminating the chances of flat head syndrome, which is also known as Plagiocephaly. In this condition, the infant’s head flattens, giving it an awkward shape, so parents should religiously follow baby tummy time guidelines.

Do's of Tummy Time

So, first, let’s explore the proper techniques that parents can consider for the best outcomes. These are simple to implement yet may not immediately strike every parent’s mind.

● Start Early

It is always fantastic to initiate early, but the key factor is the exercise span. Initially, it is urged to keep the sessions short and ultimately increase the time. This gives plenty of scope for the kiddo to acclimate to the routine without any despair. This will let them enjoy the process as they grow strong and engage with the environment.

● Create a Safe Environment

Whenever the parent puts the baby on his tummy, they should ensure an even, clutter-free space around the baby. This would keep the baby safe from getting hurt, keeping him comfortable and happy. Do not keep any choking hazards or pointed items within reach, and also be beside him all this while. As soon as the baby starts feeling discomfort, pick him up!

● Use Engaging Tools

Indeed, we asked you to avoid keeping things away from children, but then the little ones would need some motivation to keep going. The best way is to use colourful, eye-catching toys to engage for a longer duration. Putting mirrors may also be one way to attract the infant, but the kiddo shouldn’t be able to reach out to them for safety.

● Be Consistent

Practice and persistence are the keys to success, and hence, parents should provide multiple sessions of smaller duration as part of the day's activity. The child needs to be awake and active during this duration so that he can put in effort and simultaneously look around, exploring new things around the space. This would also boost his mental and cognitive skills development in the long run.

Don'ts of Tummy Time

Now that we have highlighted the do’s let's also discuss the mistakes to avoid during tummy time. If ignored, these may seriously impact the infant’s well-being and growth.

● Avoid Right After Feeding

It is crucial to comprehend that tummy time just after feeding is an absolute no. If parents do not consider this aspect, it may cause discomfort and stomach ache or may even lead to vomiting as tummy time puts pressure. Thus, it is best to keep at least a 30-minute gap after feeding.

● Do Not Force It

One of the most common mistakes during baby tummy time is that parents force the kids to stay in the position even if they are unwilling to do so. We understand that parents do this considering the benefits, but this may not be the right approach. The baby should enjoy this process, so if he does not, it is better to acknowledge his feelings and let him have a break.

● Steer Clear of Unsafe Surfaces

Most parents prefer beds and couches for tummy time because they believe that soft surfaces would be comfortable, but these are not ideal surfaces for the purpose. Soft bases can pose suffocation risks when the baby puts his head down to rest, so opting for a firm, even surface is apt for the infant’s tummy time.

How To Make Tummy Time Enjoyable?

The baby should enjoy tummy time as it releases good hormones in his body and lets him have fun every moment, promoting growth and development in every way. Here are some tips to make this process enjoyable and stress-free:

● Interactive Play

Babies love exploring new things, and hence, using the right engagement mediums, such as toys, bright colors, mirrors, and more, will definitely encourage the kid to enjoy tummy time, as their eye contact and bonding will strengthen during this process.

● Use Reinforcements

When a parent initiates tummy time, the most suitable strategy is to use a pillow or a rolled towel as extra support to the munchkin’s chest, relieving pressure and enhancing comfort.

● Integrate Music

Calming music can create magic for tiny tots, as they feel cozy and entertained during the sessions; hence, putting on a melodious song or gentle tunes is a suitable way to keep the engagement level elevated.

Monitoring Progress and Safety

With insight on how to make tummy time enjoyable for babies, let us also check some points to monitor the progress of the baby and if he is achieving the milestones on time for a better evaluation:

● Recognize Milestones

Tummy time undoubtedly strengthens the vital muscles, and hence, expect your little one to achieve milestones like lifting and turning their head while rolling over on time. If he checks all the relevant milestones at the right time, it indicates that his physical and mental development is on track, and as parents, you have nothing to worry about. You have taken the right child-rearing approach, and kudos to you for raising a joyful, healthy child.

● Confer Experts

If the baby isn’t responding well to tummy time and consistently shows despair, it is urged to confer with a specialist pediatrician to discuss the troubles and possible reasons for delays.

Key Takeaways

Tummy time is of great importance to promote your child’s growth and development; hence, there is no scope for failure. Parents should adopt and implement the practices in their daily routine, keeping the baby comfortable and ensuring optimal benefits in the long run. 
If you are a new parent, now you are aware of every detail; hence, you are all set to give your baby the best upbringing, health, and engagement that he will cherish as he grows.

Also Read:

1. How To Relieve Baby From Gas?

2. 7 Creative Ways to Keep Your Baby Engaged during Meals

3. How to Be a Good Teacher for Your Baby?

4. Nourishing Your Baby with Right Nutrition for Growth in First 2 Years