Tummy time is an exciting and vital experience for infants that builds the foundation of physical development and overall well-being. Many parents recognize the practice, yet its significance can often be overlooked. This guide will help both new parents and caregivers understand the stages of tummy time and its numerous benefits, ensuring that infants get the most from this important developmental opportunity.
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is when you place your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. This position is essential for strengthening the muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, and core. It fosters motor skills and aids in reaching developmental milestones like rolling over, balancing, crawling, and sitting.
The NSW Ministry of Health recommends encouraging tummy time from birth as it is one of the first ways a baby can move and be active. Incorporating this practice early sets the groundwork for healthy development in your child.
Benefits of Tummy Time
Giving infants enough tummy time can lead to several significant benefits, such as:
Strengthening Muscles: Activating the neck, shoulder, back, and core tummy time develops these muscle groups. Also promotes head control, reach, rolling, balance, and moving around.
Enhanced Visual and Sensory Exploration: When babies are placed on their stomachs, they are encouraged to lift their heads and look around, which enhances their ability to perceive depth and distance helping them make connections between what they see and how they can interact with their environment. Tip: Place different textures and sensory items around the baby to entice curiosity and movement.
Prevention of Flat Head Syndrome: Consistent placement in the same position can result in flat spots on a baby's head, known as positional plagiocephaly. Tummy time significantly decreases the risk of this condition, as it encourages varied positions for the baby.
Promoting Social Interaction: Tummy time opens avenues for social interaction. When caregivers engage with their babies during this time, it promotes eye contact, connection, conversation, and playful exchanges, enhancing emotional bonding and cognitive growth.
Stages of Tummy Time
Starting points:
Tummy Time is always supervised.
Remove wraps and blankets to allow free movement.
Lay the baby on a blanket, your chest, or a safe space on their tummy.
Place an age-appropriate toy in front of them to look at, reach for, or engage with.
To facilitate head lifting, a rolled towel or soft wedge can be placed under the baby's chest to prop the baby onto their elbows with arms in front.
Take it slow! Your baby will tire easily so look out for signs of fatigue e.g. head down, rubbing eyes, yawning, or crying.
Newborn
Expect the baby to be flexed in a ball with their bottom up and head turned to one side. Babies will often sleep in this position initially so begin with short sessions of 1-2 minutes a few times a day.
1 Month:
In these early weeks, gradually increase the duration of tummy time, two to three times a day. At this stage, babies might only lift their heads slightly to turn to the other side, beginning to stretch their bodies out of the flexed position.
2 Months:
From two months, you can increase tummy time to about 10-15-minute intervals throughout the day. Babies at this stage have come out of the flexed position and will lay with their pelvis on the surface. Babies show more strength and control over their necks lifting their heads 45 degrees above the surface. Laying colorful toys around can stimulate their playtime.
3 Months:
By around 3 months, most babies can fully lift their head to a 90-degree angle, turning it from side to side with increasing control. This stage often leads to "accidental rolling," where the baby's head triggers a natural roll from tummy to back as their body follows the head's movement. During tummy time, engage your baby by making gentle sounds or softly shaking a rattle to encourage them to lift their head and look up. Place a favorite toy just within reach to motivate forward movement and exploration.
4 Months:
During this stage, infants can lift their chest off the ground while maintaining their head at a 90-degree angle, with improved neck and upper body control. The baby will explore weight shifting, occasionally straightening one arm, with their elbows under their shoulders. This milestone represents an important step in building the muscle strength and coordination needed for future movements like rolling, crawling, and sitting independently.
5 Months:
At five months, babies start pushing both arms straight and may begin scooting backward. This developmental stage marks an important milestone in motor skill progression, as infants build upper body strength and learn to coordinate their movements, preparing for future crawling abilities.
6 Months:
At six months, babies push up on straight arms, proficiently roll over, pivot in a circle, developing pre-crawling skills. They actively reach for toys and can lift their arms and legs simultaneously in a playful "swimming" motion, showcasing growing motor coordination and strength.
7 Months:
At seven months, babies start pushing up onto hands and knees, rocking back and forth in preparation for crawling. They begin to master belly or army crawling, using their arms and legs to move across surfaces, demonstrating increasing mobility and motor skill development.
8 Months:
At eight months, babies develop impressive mobility skills by confidently transitioning between hands and knees and a sitting position. They can now reach for toys while maintaining their hands and knees posture, showcasing improved balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.
9 Months +:
At nine months, babies become more mobile, crawling forward with increasing confidence and beginning to explore their environment by climbing over objects. This stage marks a significant leap in physical independence and spatial exploration.
Tips for Successful Tummy Time
To make tummy time a positive experience for both parents and infants, consider these strategies:
Create a Comfortable Environment
Choose a safe, soft surface like a play mat or blanket. Ensure that the area is free from hard objects or hazards, allowing your child to explore safely.
Make It Engaging
Involve colorful toys and mirrors to capture your infant's attention. Toys placed slightly out of reach can motivate exploration and movement, adding an extra layer of engagement.
By understanding the benefits and stages of tummy time, parents can effectively integrate this practice into their infants' daily routines. This foundational activity not only supports physical development but also enhances emotional bonding through shared experiences.
With patience and creativity, tummy time can become an enjoyable part of your child's growth journey, leading to remarkable physical achievements that set the stage for their future milestones.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our OT team at Bambini Health.
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