11/12/2023
🖍Tummy time🖍
People constantly hammer on about how important tummy time is, but what is all the fuss about?
Your parents will probably tell you they don’t remember doing tummy time with you as a baby. Many of you didn’t do tummy time because many babies just slept on their tummies until 1992, after which the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) launched its “Back to Sleep” campaign. It has significantly driven down the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Tummy time has become a focus of doctor recommendations because doctors noted increased flattening of the babies’ heads (Plagiocephaly).
But as we know, life happens, and we are all busy. As a result, babies are sometimes left on their backs, in their prams or baby equipment. It’s the easier option, especially when they’re fussy, so we get to do the million and one things that are on our to-do list.
🖍What are the advantages of tummy time?🖍
There are many advantages to allowing babies to spend time on their tummy when they are awake and supervised. It will promote the baby’s motor development, head control and upper body strength. They start pushing themselves up to look around, working muscles foundational for fine motor skills, and getting a different perceptual experience. It also relieves the constant pressure on the back of the baby’s head from lying on the back, which can affect the shape of the baby's head. Putting babies on their sides while awake is particularly good for head control, and positioning them on their stomachs helps with motor development.
🖍When can we start tummy time?🖍
The earlier the baby spends time on their tummy, the more they become comfortable in this position. It is advisable to let the newborn get used to lying on its tummy right from the start, as it then becomes a natural part of their daily routine. From the day they come home, babies benefit from 2 to 3 Tummy Time sessions each day for a short period (3 to 5 minutes). When babies are on their tummy, they learn to pivot, turn, roll, crawl and pull themselves along the floor. Plenty of playtime on the tummy will give the baby the best opportunity to develop their motor skills. The time spent in a car seat (when not travelling) and other passive seating equipment should be limited as the infant lies on their back in a constricted environment, where they can’t move like they should to develop their muscle tone. They don’t learn any trunk control or get much visual stimulation.
🖍What happens if my child does not do tummy time?🖍
While on their belly, a baby has to work extra hard against gravity to keep their head up; it's strenuous, so they will protest. You don’t go through a tough gym session smiling. Not all children enjoy being on their tummy, especially if they are a little older before being introduced to this position. Babies who spend very little or no time on their tummy tend to develop motor skills later than children who do have tummy time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll miss their major milestones. It can be frustrating for babies who are late developers unable to move by themselves. Studies show kids with fine motor and handwriting issues did not have tummy time. A lot of them had skipped the crawling stage as well. If you’re worried that your child is delayed in a particular area, get them assessed by your paediatrician or an occupational therapist, as it’s better to address a problem early on before it leads to others.
🖍Is time on the baby’s back also important?🖍
When the infant is on their back, suspend toys or other exciting items above them, alternating between the left and right sides to encourage a variation of the head position. My baby play gym is one of my most prized items in my home. It provides the most essential aspect in the development of movement for babies: simply having the freedom to move.
🖍How much tummy time does my baby need?🖍
Your baby should work up to an hour of tummy time per day by 3 months. Aim for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, adding up to an hour. An hour may seem like a lot at first, but you can add tummy time into the baby’s daily routine, like a few minutes after every nappy change. You’ll reach an hour sooner than you think!
🖍When is tummy time not a good idea?🖍
Babies with heart conditions need to be closely monitored when they’re on their tummies. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe for your little one to be on her tummy, ask your doctor. Babies with acid reflux should also not do tummy time straight after a feed, as the pressure on the stomach while lying on their tummies can worsen the reflux.
🖍Methods to make tummy time more tolerable.🖍
👻If your child finds it difficult to accept being on their tummy, try for very short periods initially, and repeat several times during the day.
👻Lie down with the baby on their tummy on your chest so they look up at your face. They love looking at you. Talk and sing to them.
👻Put an exciting toy or mirror in front of the baby to keep them interested. When a baby is still small, keep it limited to one toy/object, as they can only focus on one thing at a time with their poor eyesight.
👻Lie on your tummy on the floor in front of the baby so you are face to face. Chat and sing to the baby.
👻If your child has difficulty lifting their head in the tummy position, try raising the top part of the body so the child lies slightly ‘uphill’. This will make it easier to raise the head. You can use a pillow, rolled-up towel, wedge or even over one of your legs.
👻You can lay the baby over your upper legs as well. This gives them a different perspective.
👻Don’t put them on a blanket on the floor and step away; get down to their level and spend time with them.
👻Try short Tummy Time sessions after a nappy change or after your baby wakes from a nap when they are happiest.
🖍Can my baby sleep on her tummy?🖍
A young baby shouldn’t sleep on their tummy as it can increase the chances of SIDS. Babies should preferably sleep on their backs. After a baby has learnt to roll from tummy to back and from their back to their tummy, and they end up on their tummies during the night, leave them. They have the skills to roll back if uncomfortable or in danger. Be careful not to overdress your baby if they are a tummy-sleeper. Ensure there are no loose blankets in the cot. Use a baby sleeping bag to keep them warm.
Read more on safe sleeping here: https://www.facebook.com/100050595844490/posts/687425106287345/?mibextid=cr9u03
🖍Some safety tips🖍
☠️Do not leave your baby alone during tummy time, as they could get into a dangerous position or bang their heads if they roll over.
☠️Make sure your baby is placed on a hard surface, such as the floor, as your baby could roll off the sofa or a bed.
☠️If you have other children or pets, ensure your baby is safely out of harm's way.
Ensure your baby sleeps safely on their back in a safe environment. Starting very early, ensure that some of your baby’s awake time is tummy time, complete with a parent watching, interacting and playing along.
Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash
