Tummy time is an exercise for babies to lie down on their stomachs. Even though it looks simple, this exercise has many benefits for the baby's development. What are the benefits of tummy time for babies, and how do you do it? Check out the following review.

What is tummy time?

Tummy time is an exercise in positioning the baby in a prone position when the baby is awake. This exercise is similar to exercise for babies, where babies need to do it every day for a few minutes at a time.

For babies under 5-6 months of age, tummy time exercises can be done for around 1-2 minutes as a start. As the baby develops and the muscles of the neck, back, and stomach become stronger, you can increase the duration of the tummy time exercise.

The benefits of tummy time for babies

According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are several benefits of tummy time for babies:

• Promotes motor skill development

When a child is positioned on their stomach, they move the muscles needed to lift their head, roll over, and eventually crawl. This activity is instrumental in strengthening core muscles and enhancing back, neck, and arm strength. Research has shown that prone training contributes to improved motor development in children, aiding the progression of their physical abilities. 

• Reduce the risk of skull deformities

Babies often sleep on their backs, which can lead to flat head syndrome due to the pressure on the skull. Regular tummy time sessions can help minimize the risk of such skull shape changes.

While flat head syndrome is generally harmless, it can sometimes indicate more serious conditions like craniosynostosis. If you notice any concerning changes in your baby's head shape, it's important to seek medical advice promptly.

• Improved Motor and Sensory Development

The prone position makes it easier for babies to see the surrounding environment from other perspectives and positions. In the prone position, the baby will learn to move the arms and legs, which will improve the child's motor and sensory abilities.

• Enhance bonding opportunities with parents

Engaging in tummy times allows for shared experiences between children and their parents, family members, or caregivers. This time together fosters stronger bonds between parents and children. During tummy time sessions, parents can encourage interaction and playful moments, further enhancing the bonding experience.

How to do tummy time for babies?

The approach to tummy time can vary based on the baby’s age. The following are several steps to do tummy time based on the baby’s age:

Newborn (under 28 days of age)

You can incorporate tummy time into your routine with newborns during diaper changes or bath time. Begin by placing your newborn in a prone position on your chest or lap for short periods, two or three times daily. This position encourages them to lift their heads, strengthening their neck and shoulder muscles. As your baby becomes accustomed to tummy time, gradually increase the duration of each session.

Older Babies

For older babies, create a safe space by placing a blanket on a clear floor area or mattress. Start with brief sessions of 3-5 minutes, placing the baby on their stomach on the blanket several times a day.

Initially, your baby may show signs of fussiness or frustration, but it's important to persist in this position for a while. Gradually increase the frequency and duration of tummy time as your baby becomes more accustomed to it. Experts suggest aiming for up to 1 hour of tummy time per day for babies around 3 months old.

Tummy time offers numerous benefits for a baby's skull and motor development. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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