Exercise for babies? Yes! Your baby needs opportunities to lie on their stomach while you talk and play together. Have baby do this several times a day. Babies need daily tummy time until they can crawl.
Why tummy time?
- Strengthens your baby’s neck and upper back muscles.
- Allows your baby to discover a new view of the world.
- Prevents the back of your baby’s head from developing flat spots.
- Allows your baby to master lifting their head and turning over.
- Helps your baby develop the muscle strength to begin to roll over, crawl, and sit without support.
- Encourages your baby to practice reaching and pivoting which are skills needed to learn how to crawl.
Tummy time for newborns:
- Simply place your baby belly-down on your chest or across your lap for a few minutes.
- Increase the time your baby spends on their tummy as your baby grows.
- Listen to your baby’s cues of crying or being restless. These are ways your baby lets you know they have had enough tummy time.
Tummy time for 3-4-month-old babies:
- Most babies at this age can tolerate tummy time for five to 10 minutes at a time.
- By this age, your baby will have better neck strength and control to lift and turn their head while lying down.
- By 4 months, baby should be able to lift their chest off the floor and lean on their elbows while holding their head upright.
Tummy time tips:
- Provide your baby a blanket or play mat to lie on.
- Avoid tummy time right after feeding to prevent your baby from spitting up.
- Your baby loves to see you. Get on the floor and be face-to-face while playing together.
- Make tummy time a bonding time. Try silly noises, singing songs or making facial expressions.
- A mirror in front of your baby can hold their attention. Babies love to look at faces.
- Put a toy just within your baby’s reach and encourage your baby to reach and stretch for it.
- Place your baby on their tummy for one or two minutes after every diaper change.
- Never leave your baby unattended during tummy time.
Work up to a full hour a day by the time your baby is 3 months old. Sprinkle a few minutes of tummy time throughout the day to make sure baby is meeting their important developmental milestones.
Learn more
- Take steps to keep your little explorer safe
- Tummy time reduces infant flat head and other ailments
- Baby’s 1st birthday: Your child’s 12-month check-up
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Posted In Children's, Digestive Health, Parenting, Specialty Care
