4 FAQs about Tummy Time: A Guide for New Mothers
Tummy time is the time given to your baby to lie on her stomach instead of her back when she is awake. Practicing this has many benefits to your baby although some may say that it is also a risky thing to do. Here are some frequently asked questions you might be asking about this method.
What is the benefit of tummy time?
Spending time on her stomach when your baby is awake gives her a new perspective about her surrounding. Further, by letting the baby lying on her stomach you will also give her the opportunity to develop and reach milestones such as crawling, sitting, and rolling over faster. This is because the method encourages the baby to lift her head hence strengthening the muscles in the baby's neck and upper back. Muscles in these areas are beneficial for crawling and doing other activities. Tummy time also helps developing roundness of baby's head. When a baby always lies on her back, there is a great chance that she might have flat spots at the back of their head.
When should I start tummy timing my baby?
Tummy timing can be done as early as after your baby's birth by putting your newborn baby on your chest. However, some people prefer to wait until the baby reaches one month old or until the bumps on her umbilical cord is removed to give the baby more comfort while lying on her stomach. You can give your baby tummy time twice or three times a day. One of the best times to put the baby on her stomach is after every diaper change. This will give your baby an enjoying view from above the changing table. Make sure to always hold your baby so that she doesn't roll off the table.
I've heard about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and terrified it will happen to my baby. How can I make sure that tummy time is safe?
SIDS or cot death is a rare condition where a baby dies suddenly without any clear reason. Sleeping on her stomach becomes one of the factors that are believed to trigger the occurrence of the syndrome. For a safe tummy time, put the baby on her stomach while she is awake and never let that happens without your supervision. During the exercise, put the baby on a smooth and flat surface without any distractions such as pillows, blankets, toys, or other items that might block the baby's airway and create respiratory problem.
My baby cries every time I put her on her stomach. What should I do?
Lying on the stomach is not an easy thing to do; no wonder that some babies don't really like doing it. To make the baby gets used to tummy time, do the method as early as possible. Don't give up or quit trying even if your baby is angry each time you put her on her belly. To make the baby forgets about the discomfort during tummy time you can make the occasion more fun by distracting her with rattle, placing a toy within the baby's reach, or putting her on a soft, comfortable fabric such as velvet, corduroy, or satin.
What is the benefit of tummy time?
Spending time on her stomach when your baby is awake gives her a new perspective about her surrounding. Further, by letting the baby lying on her stomach you will also give her the opportunity to develop and reach milestones such as crawling, sitting, and rolling over faster. This is because the method encourages the baby to lift her head hence strengthening the muscles in the baby's neck and upper back. Muscles in these areas are beneficial for crawling and doing other activities. Tummy time also helps developing roundness of baby's head. When a baby always lies on her back, there is a great chance that she might have flat spots at the back of their head.
When should I start tummy timing my baby?
Tummy timing can be done as early as after your baby's birth by putting your newborn baby on your chest. However, some people prefer to wait until the baby reaches one month old or until the bumps on her umbilical cord is removed to give the baby more comfort while lying on her stomach. You can give your baby tummy time twice or three times a day. One of the best times to put the baby on her stomach is after every diaper change. This will give your baby an enjoying view from above the changing table. Make sure to always hold your baby so that she doesn't roll off the table.
I've heard about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and terrified it will happen to my baby. How can I make sure that tummy time is safe?
SIDS or cot death is a rare condition where a baby dies suddenly without any clear reason. Sleeping on her stomach becomes one of the factors that are believed to trigger the occurrence of the syndrome. For a safe tummy time, put the baby on her stomach while she is awake and never let that happens without your supervision. During the exercise, put the baby on a smooth and flat surface without any distractions such as pillows, blankets, toys, or other items that might block the baby's airway and create respiratory problem.
My baby cries every time I put her on her stomach. What should I do?
Lying on the stomach is not an easy thing to do; no wonder that some babies don't really like doing it. To make the baby gets used to tummy time, do the method as early as possible. Don't give up or quit trying even if your baby is angry each time you put her on her belly. To make the baby forgets about the discomfort during tummy time you can make the occasion more fun by distracting her with rattle, placing a toy within the baby's reach, or putting her on a soft, comfortable fabric such as velvet, corduroy, or satin.
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