tummy time

Look what I can do!

At 0-3 months old, I will be able to start holding my head up when placed on my tummy.  At first, I will be looking straight down, but with practice, I will be able to lift it even higher.  Make sure my arms are under me so I learn to push up.

At 3-6 months old, I will be able to push up more through my arms so I can really look around.  I will be able to reach for toys and bring them to my mouth.  Make sure I have plenty of toys!

At 6-9 months old I will start to move around while on my tummy.  I will pivot and I may learn to move backwards before I am strong enough to move forward.  I love to explore!   

At 9-12 months old I will be strong enough to push up onto my hands and knees for crawling.  Watch out, world!  Here I come!   

Tummy time should always be supervised and done when your child is awake.

Tummy time should be done when your baby is happy – not tired or hungry.

Tummy time should not be done right after your baby has eaten.  This can put pressure on a full tummy and cause your baby to spit up. 

Perform tummy time for short intervals (10 minutes), several times per day.

Use a nursing pillow or small towel roll under the arms.  This takes some of the weight off of the arms, making it easier to lift his head.

Use toys and music to make it fun.

Get on the floor so your baby can look at you. 

Hold your baby on your chest, facing you, and recline back so you are face to face.

Babies loves to hear your voice and see your face!

When and how much?

Tummy time is needed every day and should begin the first day you bring your infant home from the hospital.

Start with just a few minutes at a time, several times per day.  Gradually build up, as your baby is able to tolerate more.

Why tummy time?

Tummy time helps your baby get stronger in order to develop his skills. 

Tummy time is needed to promote motor skills such as sitting up and crawling. 

It strengthens the hands for holding onto toys or a bottle and helps to develop vision. 

Babies who do not spend time on their tummy are more likely to have delays in their motor skills. 

What if my baby doesn’t like it?

Hang in there and keep trying!  With practice and toys to make it fun, your child will learn to enjoy it.

Keep that perfectly shaped head

Babies who are placed too much in swings, car seats and on their backs and not enough on their tummy can end up having a misshapen head. 

Putting your baby on his tummy several times throughout the day keeps pressure off of the back of the head and keeps that perfectly round little head. 

Avoid having your baby sleep in a swing or car seat, if you can.  Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep on a flat surface.  The flat surface allows your baby to turn his head to either side, helping to form the perfect head shape.   

Tummy time should be fun and provide learning opportunities.

Remember to place your child on their back to sleep.

If you have questions about your child’s development, visit https://www.abcpediatrictherapy.com.  We love to help!