Tummy Time Tips

Did you know you can start tummy time with your newborn right from birth. And it doesn’t mean that you have to just plop them on the ground which they hate! It’s cold, away from your touch and feels scary! 

Incorporate it in small easy to manage steps including: 

Rolling them onto their tummy on the change table after changing their nappy for a few seconds. 

Try holding them on their tummy across your arm which gives them a different perspective to look at the world/

Burping them by holding them high up on your shoulder which helps them with head control and can help get the burps out easier too!

Laying belly to belly with you also counts so enjoy that snuggle.

Laying them supported on a nursing pillow and making faces at them on the other side. You can also use a rolled up towel for this if you don’t have a nursing pillow.

If you do have them on the floor make sure it’s warm for them and if you have active pets make sure they are put away while they are on the ground.

Activities they love! 

Mirrors - Looking at another baby in a mirror is very exciting! If you have a full length wardrobe mirror that is a great place to start or buy a baby safe toy mirror.

Funny Faces - Looking at your silly goo gaa face is their favourite thing so get down with them and look like a goose that you swore your wouldn’t but now can’t help it because you will do anything for a smile or laugh!

Black & White books are great on the floor for them to check out. Newborns can only see in black, white and grey and about 8-12 inches from their faces. Red is the next colour and they have all colours by the time they are 5 months old.

When they are on their back, grab a rattle, instruments, rainmaker or anything interesting that makes noise, get them to focus on it and then slowly move the toy from the left to the right. This helps them work on turning their head both directions and track an object. Home hack, use a water bottle with uncooked rice inside it.

Timing

Don’t do Tummy Time straight after a feed as they will bring up their milk! And there is nothing worse than wasted milk!

Start slowly with 1-2 minute sessions 2-3 times per day working up to 3-5 Minute Sessions.

Then 5-10 minutes, 10-15 minutes, Working up to 15 mins per day several times per day over the course of a few months. 

Take it slow and make it fun. If they show signs of distress, stop the session 

Age - As a Rough Guide

At age 2 Months babies should spend at least one minute in Tummy Time several times a day without becoming upset when they are otherwise in a happy mood.

At age 3 months they should begin to put some weight on their arms but their elbows are bent behind their shoulders.

At age 4 months, they should be able to lift their head 90 degrees.

At age 5 months they begin to push up with straight elbows and enjoy reaching for objects.

At age 6 months it becomes something the baby does rather than something you make them do, they begin to roll. Start to put toys just out of their reach to encourage forward movement and reaching.

Remember, every baby is different and take things in their own time. Resist the urge to compare with other babies. But if you are concerned, talk to your GP or physio.

Remember the SIDS Guidelines:  

Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play and never leave them unsupervised in a tummy time position.

Check out these safety tips from the team at Red Nose.

And have fun with it!