Are you a new parent struggling with tummy time for your newborn? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this video, Emma Hubbard shares everything you need to know about the importance of tummy time for newborns. Starting from birth, tummy time helps with your baby’s development by strengthening muscles, improving visual skills, and preventing certain conditions. But when should you start? How long should you do it for? What if your baby gets upset? Emma answers these questions and more in her informative video. She also provides tips on making tummy time more enjoyable for both you and your little one, including using toys and props and gradually increasing the duration. Remember, tummy time doesn’t have to be unpleasant for your baby, and it plays a crucial role in their development.
Tummy Time for Newborns – What Every Parent Needs to Know. Starting tummy time from birth is essential for your baby’s development, but many parents face challenges when attempting it. Emma Hubbard’s video provides a comprehensive guide to tummy time for newborns, answering common questions and addressing concerns. She emphasizes the benefits of tummy time beyond muscle strengthening, such as visual skill development and prevention of positional conditions. Emma offers practical suggestions on how to introduce tummy time gradually and make it more enjoyable for your baby through interaction and the use of toys. With her expert advice, you can ensure your little one receives the benefits of tummy time without unnecessary distress.
The Importance of Tummy Time for Newborns
Tummy time is an essential activity for newborn babies that promotes their overall development. Starting from birth and continuing until they begin crawling, tummy time provides a range of benefits for infants. It not only strengthens their muscles but also improves their visual skills and helps prevent certain conditions. As a parent, it is important to understand the significance of tummy time and how to incorporate it into your daily routine with your newborn.
Tummy Time Promotes Development
Tummy time plays a crucial role in promoting the healthy development of newborn babies. By placing your baby on their tummy, they are encouraged to lift their head and work against gravity. This action helps strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, back, and legs. Additionally, tummy time aids in the development of visual skills, including depth perception. It also assists in opening up their hands and encourages thumb extension, an important skill for later development. By engaging in tummy time regularly, babies are more likely to reach important developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.
Tummy Time Strengthens Muscles
One of the significant benefits of tummy time is the strengthening of various muscles in a baby’s body. When placed on their tummy, infants are required to use their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles to lift their head and explore their environment. This activity not only helps build strength in these muscle groups but also aids in the development of overall body control and coordination. Strong muscles are crucial for achieving important motor milestones, such as rolling over and sitting up independently.
Tummy Time Improves Visual Skills
Engaging in tummy time exercises contributes to the improvement of a baby’s visual skills. By placing them on their tummy and encouraging them to lift their head, infants are able to engage their visual system and develop depth perception. This skill is essential for accurately perceiving distances and objects in their environment. Tummy time also provides opportunities for babies to focus on and track objects, enhancing their visual tracking abilities. These visual skills are vital for later stages of development, such as crawling and walking.
Tummy Time Prevents Certain Conditions
In addition to promoting development, regular tummy time can help prevent certain conditions in newborn babies. Two common conditions that can be reduced or avoided with tummy time are positional plagiocephaly and torticollis. Plagiocephaly refers to the flattening of one side of a baby’s head, often caused by prolonged periods of lying on their back. By incorporating tummy time into their daily routine, parents can help prevent or alleviate the occurrence of this condition. Torticollis, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by the tightening of neck muscles, resulting in limited range of motion. Tummy time can help strengthen the neck muscles and reduce the risk of torticollis.
Challenges Faced by Parents
While tummy time offers numerous benefits, parents often face challenges when introducing it to their newborns. Starting tummy time can be particularly difficult, as infants may become upset or resist the new activity. It is important for parents to understand these challenges and find ways to manage them effectively.
Difficulties in Starting Tummy Time
Many parents find it challenging to initiate tummy time with their newborns. Infants may become fussy, cry, or show signs of discomfort when placed on their tummy. This reaction is normal and can be attributed to the unfamiliar position and the effort required to lift their head and engage in the exercise. It is crucial for parents to remain patient and supportive during this early phase of tummy time. Understanding that it takes time for babies to adjust and build strength is essential in overcoming these initial difficulties.
Managing Tummy Time Challenges
To manage the challenges associated with tummy time, parents can employ various strategies. Starting with shorter bursts of tummy time and gradually increasing the duration can help ease a baby into the exercise. Initially, aiming for just one to two minutes of tummy time during each awake period is sufficient. As the baby becomes more comfortable and stronger, the duration can be extended. Additionally, using props such as Boppy pillows or rolled-up towels can provide support and make tummy time more enjoyable for the baby. The key is to find the right balance between encouraging tummy time and respecting the baby’s limits and comfort level.
Different Ways to Do Tummy Time
Tummy Time on the Chest
In the early stages of tummy time, newborns can be positioned on their parent’s chest. This chest-to-chest tummy time allows for close interaction and comfort. Holding the baby in a football hold or placing them over the parent’s lap provides support and promotes bonding. The parent can engage with the baby by singing, talking, or making facial expressions, creating a positive and enjoyable experience.
Tummy Time on the Lap
Another option for tummy time is placing the baby on the parent’s lap. This position allows the baby to gain confidence in lifting their head and looking around. The parent can provide support by placing their hands on the baby’s trunk or providing gentle encouragement. This lap-based tummy time can be performed while sitting or reclining, providing flexibility and adaptability for both the parent and the baby.
Using Props for Tummy Time
To make tummy time more comfortable and engaging, parents can utilize various props. Boppy pillows or rolled-up towels can provide support for the baby’s chest and allow them to maintain an elevated position. This position reduces the strain on the baby’s neck and facilitates their ability to lift their head. Props such as non-breakable mirrors, toys that light up or play music, and board books can also be used to entertain and engage the baby during tummy time. These props can help make tummy time a fun and enjoyable experience for both the parent and the baby.
Progression of Tummy Time
It is important to gradually progress tummy time to help the baby build strength and develop the necessary skills. Starting with short bursts and gradually increasing the duration is key to the successful implementation of tummy time.
Starting with Short Bursts
When initially introducing tummy time, it is recommended to begin with short bursts of one to two minutes. These short periods allow the baby to become familiar with the position and gradually develop the required muscles. As the baby adjusts and becomes more comfortable, the duration of each tummy time session can be extended.
Gradually Increasing the Duration
Over time, parents should aim to increase the total daily tummy time to around 60 minutes by the third month of the baby’s life. This can be achieved by continuously adding small increments of time to each tummy time session. For example, if the baby is comfortable with two minutes of tummy time, gradually increase it to three minutes, then four minutes, and so on. By gradually increasing the duration, the baby’s muscles will strengthen, and they will become more resilient and comfortable with tummy time.
Making Tummy Time Enjoyable
To ensure that tummy time is a positive and enjoyable experience for the baby, parents can implement several strategies. By incorporating toys, interaction with parents, and engaging activities, parents can create a stimulating and interactive environment during tummy time.
Using Toys during Tummy Time
Toys can be a valuable tool in making tummy time more enjoyable for the baby. Using age-appropriate toys that stimulate the senses, such as bright-colored toys or toys that make sounds, can capture the baby’s attention and encourage active participation. Placing toys within the baby’s field of vision motivates them to lift their head and engage in the activity. Items like non-breakable mirrors can also be used to provide the baby with visual feedback and promote self-recognition.
Interaction with Parents
Engaging with the baby during tummy time is crucial for their overall development and enjoyment. Parents can use this time to talk, sing, or make expressive faces, capturing the baby’s attention and encouraging their participation. Eye contact and positive reinforcement help create a bond between the parent and the baby and foster a sense of security and comfort during tummy time.
Engaging Activities
In addition to toys and interaction, engaging activities during tummy time can further enhance the experience. Parents can introduce small challenges for the baby, such as placing objects slightly out of reach, which motivates the baby to reach and explore their surroundings. Simple activities like rolling a ball or using a textured mat can provide sensory stimulation and promote the development of fine and gross motor skills. These activities not only make tummy time enjoyable but also contribute to the baby’s overall growth and development.
Timing of Tummy Time
When incorporating tummy time into your daily routine, it is important to consider the baby’s needs and the timing in relation to feeding.
Considering Baby’s Needs
Every baby is unique, and their needs may vary. When planning tummy time, it is essential to consider the baby’s overall well-being, such as their sleep schedule, level of alertness, and comfort. Some babies may be more receptive to tummy time after waking up from a nap and when they are well-rested and alert. Observing the baby’s cues and finding the best time that suits their individual needs will contribute to a more successful tummy time experience.
Timing in Relation to Feeding
Many parents wonder about the ideal timing of tummy time in relation to feeding. While there is no strict rule, it is generally recommended to wait for some time after a feed before initiating tummy time. Waiting for 20 to 30 minutes allows the baby’s stomach to settle and reduces the likelihood of spitting up during tummy time. However, it is important to note that every baby is different, and some may experience discomfort or spit up regardless of the timing. It is essential for parents to observe their baby’s cues and adjust the timing of tummy time accordingly.
Strategies to Alleviate Distress
Occasionally, babies may show signs of distress during tummy time. It is crucial for parents to recognize these distress signals and implement strategies to alleviate their baby’s discomfort.
Identifying Distress Signals
Babies communicate their distress in various ways. Some common signals of distress during tummy time include crying, arching their back, turning their head to the side, or appearing tense or uncomfortable. It is important for parents to pay attention to these cues and respond accordingly. Recognizing and addressing the baby’s distress will contribute to a more positive tummy time experience.
Using Comfort Techniques
To alleviate a baby’s distress during tummy time, parents can employ various comfort techniques. Gently rubbing or patting the baby’s back can provide reassurance and soothing. Singing or talking to the baby in a calming tone can also help them feel secure. Additionally, ensuring a comfortable surface, such as a soft mat or blanket, can contribute to the baby’s overall comfort and ease any discomfort they may experience.
Gradual Exposure to Tummy Time
For babies who find tummy time particularly distressing, gradually exposing them to the activity is key. Start with shorter periods of tummy time and gradually increase the duration as the baby becomes more comfortable. Providing support with pillows or rolled-up towels can aid in their comfort and make the experience more manageable. By progressing slowly and adapting to the baby’s needs, parents can help build their baby’s tolerance and enjoyment of tummy time.
Conclusion
Tummy time is an essential aspect of a newborn’s development. It offers numerous benefits, including strengthening muscles, improving visual skills, and preventing certain conditions. While parents may face challenges when starting tummy time, these can be managed with patience, gradual progress, and the use of techniques to make tummy time enjoyable. By considering the baby’s needs and timing tummy time appropriately, parents can ensure a positive and beneficial experience for their little one. Remember, tummy time is not just an activity; it is an opportunity for bonding, growth, and development. Embrace tummy time as a vital part of your newborn’s early journey and watch them thrive.