Now that you are a new parent, you have probably heard a lot of talk about the necessity of tummy time and wondered, “Is it necessary? Well, yes. Tummy time is one of the most supportive activities for your baby’s growth and development. However, just as in most aspects of parenting, not everything is as simple as it would appear. So, why exactly is tummy time so important? How can you properly execute it? What are some handy hints to help ease it along for both you and your little one?

What is Tummy Time?

Tummy time is the time your baby spends on their stomach when they are awake. It is essential to strengthen the neck, shoulder, and back muscles. It may not be complex, but tummy time offers the building blocks to the later achievements of the baby, such as rolling over, crawling, or even walking.

Why is Tummy Time Important for Babies?

• Physical development: Tummy time will assist your baby in gaining the strength required to hold the head, chest, and back. These muscles are crucial for further development, such as rollover and crawling.
• Motor Skills: When your baby raises their head and pushes up with their arms, they are not only developing muscle, but also coordination. The early practice assists in such things as coordination of the hands and eyes, which will be necessary when they begin to reach and grab.
• Flat Head Syndrome Prevention: An overuse of the back position causes flat spots on the head of your baby, or plagiocephaly. Tummy time will minimize this risk as it leads your infant to reposition his head and activate various areas of the skull.
• Sensory Development: Once the babies lie on their tummies, they get a completely different picture of the world! It can enhance their sensory growth, such as perception of shapes, colors, and texture.
• Gas Relief: Gas is a common side effect of babies. Tummy time can help your baby pass the gas through digestion. Being on its tummy may assist in moving gas down the bowel system, which in turn enables your baby to get rid of it easily. Moreover, the tummy time also helps to tone abdominal muscles, which facilitates a healthy digestive process and prevents tummy upsets such as gas.

When Should You Start Tummy Time?

Babies can start tummy time as early as one day old, although it can be in small sessions lasting a few minutes. Begin by laying your baby down on their tummy in 2-3 minutes, 2-3 times a day, and slowly increase the period as the baby becomes stronger. Whether you are looking to achieve around 20-30 minutes of tummy time in a day by the time they are between 3-4 months old.

How to Do Tummy Time Safely?

1. Create a safe Place: Put the child on the floor, leaving them on a play mat or a soft blanket, but not too soft. You also do not want them to get stuck on the surface; this may cause difficulties when they want to raise their head.
2. Make It Fun and Interesting: Capture their senses by using toys or noise-making objects of bright color. You may also lie down beside the person so that they can see and communicate with you.
3. Active Participation: Pay close attention to your baby at all times when it is on its tummy. You must not leave them alone on their tummy.
4. Start Slow: Your baby may dislike tummy work, but that is nothing to be afraid of. Begin a few minutes at a time and then add time. The babies become fussy since it is a hard job for them, but they will get accustomed to it as time goes by. 

Common Tummy Time Challenges

It becomes perfectly understandable that your baby will be reluctant to be placed in a tummy. They can cry or they can look frustrated. That is only a part of the process, though- your baby is gaining strength and acquiring some new things, and all that takes time! Here are some of the tips that will make tummy time less daunting:

• Experiment with Positions: If your baby does not enjoy being down on his stomach, put him on your chest, or place him on a tummy time pillow.

• Distract them: You may be able to hold their attention with baby toys, mirrors, or even by making silly faces! 

How Long Should Tummy Time Last?

When your baby grows, tummy time will be more. Begin it slowly and then build up to 20-30 minutes per day over 3-4 months. Divide it into several short sessions in case you find it difficult to attend to all at once.

Conclusion

It might feel like you now have one more thing to throw on your already enormous list of baby-related chores, but tummy time is so much more important than that. Your baby needs it to develop physically, their motor skills, and their overall growth. Moreover, it is also good to aid digestion and gas pains, which make your baby more comfortable. Learn to exercise patience, be consistent, and keep in mind that with each minute of tummy time, you as a parent are moving closer towards your baby achieving their full potential.

But in case you are in doubt about whether tummy time is required. And the more natural you can integrate it into the daily routine of your baby, the stronger and more proficient they will become!