{"id":78255,"date":"2023-04-28T12:47:09","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T09:47:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog?p=78255"},"modified":"2023-04-28T12:56:03","modified_gmt":"2023-04-28T09:56:03","slug":"tummy-time-101-why-your-baby-needs-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/invidyo.com\/blog\/en\/tummy-time-101-why-your-baby-needs-it","title":{"rendered":"Tummy Time 101 – Why Your Baby Needs It"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tummy time refers to placing your baby on their tummy while they are awake and someone is watching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Usually, babies spend a lot of time on their backs, either looking up at the ceiling in their crib or in your arms. Flipping them over onto their tummies gives them a different perspective and plays an important role in their development.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tummy time is one of the baby\u2019s first exercises. It seems very easy, but it has a lot of <\/span>benefits for your baby. <\/span>Placing your baby on their tummy encourages them to lift their head. This helps strengthen their head, neck, and shoulder muscles as well as boost motor skills. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a>, tummy time prepares babies for a time when they can slide on their bellies and crawl. As babies grow older and stronger, they will need more time on their tummies to build their strength. <\/span>The Academy<\/strong> advises parents to put awake, alert newborns and infants on their tummies to play 2-3 times a day for three to five minutes each time, increasing the time period as babies learn to enjoy it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about tummy time and the benefits it holds.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Why does my baby need tummy time?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Tummy time is essential for infants because important milestones are achieved in this position, and it also provides babies with a great opportunity to build strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are four major reasons why your baby needs tummy time: <\/span><\/p>\n

Helps with motor skill development<\/span><\/h3>\n

When babies spend time on their tummies, they use and develop the muscles that allow them to lift their heads, roll, crawl, and eventually walk.
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Having your baby on their tummy helps develop core muscle strength and their back, neck, and arms. <\/span>Studies<\/span><\/a> show<\/span> that infants who don\u2019t spend time in this position are more likely to experience a delay in motor development.<\/span><\/p>\n

ALSO READ: Thumb-Sucking: What You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Reduces chances of skull deformity<\/span><\/h3>\n

Babies should always sleep on their backs as it helps reduce the risk of <\/span>sudden infant death syndrome<\/span> (SIDS). But babies who spend <\/span>too<\/span> much time on their backs can develop <\/span>flat head syndrome<\/span> or positional plagiocephaly, which tummy time can help prevent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Promotes sensory development<\/span><\/h3>\n

Tummy time allows babies to experience different body positions and movements, and they start learning how their arms and legs move. It also shows them a completely different view of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Provides an opportunity to bond<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even though tummy time isn\u2019t initially all that interactive, your baby will become more engaged as their skills develop. Tummy time is an early chance for interaction and play with your baby, which is a crucial bonding activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

ALSO READ: Umbilical Cord Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

When should my baby start tummy time?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supervised tummy time for full-term babies <\/span>starting in the first week, as soon as their umbilical cord stump falls off<\/span><\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

How much tummy time is necessary?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the beginning, for newborns, tummy time should consist of two or three 3-minute sessions daily. <\/span>As your baby gets older and stronger, you might gradually increase the time, working up to 20 minutes a day. <\/span><\/p>\n

Experts recommend that each month you can progress to 10 more minutes.<\/b>
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How to do tummy time?<\/h2>\n

The best way of doing tummy time is to keep it simple.<\/p>\n