The Importance of Tummy Time: Benefits and Fun Activities for Your Baby’s Development

What are Tummy Time Activities?

Activities that include placing your baby on their belly while they are awake and under supervision are referred to as "tummy time." These exercises build the baby's shoulder, back, and neck muscles and prepare them for independent movement.

Tummy Time Activities for Babies 

The concept of belly time may seem intimidating to new parents. Babies at this age are delicate and have little control over their movements, after all. Nonetheless, offering tummy time exercises to infants can be quite helpful and gentle.

• To gently introduce your baby to tummy activities, place your infant on a mat or blanket, or any other soft surface. 
• Facial features captivate babies. During tummy time, place a baby-safe mirror in front of your infant. Their reflection will enthrall them, encouraging prolonged head and neck raising.
• Playing with toys can add fun to the process. You can put textured toys, soft rattles, or toys with gentle sounds in front of the infant. Their motor abilities and muscle strength grow when they reach out to touch or grab it.

Tummy Time Activities for Toddlers 

Your baby's tummy time regimen should change as they get older in order to keep them interested and challenged.

• Using pillows and cushions, make a little obstacle course. Toddlers are forced to maneuver, roll, and crawl over a variety of surfaces and heights.
• Read a book to your toddler while they are lying on their stomach. This activity encourages a love of reading in addition to keeping them occupied during tummy time.
• At this point, toys can get more involved. One can introduce toys such as building blocks or puzzles. Toddlers' fine motor, hand-eye coordination, and muscular tone all increase when they attempt to put items together or stack blocks.

What are the Benefits of Tummy Time?

Tummy time has advantages that go beyond just developing muscles. They cover a variety of improvements in physical, mental, and developmental domains¹.

• Physical Development: The development of stronger shoulder, back, and neck muscles is one of the main advantages of tummy time. Future developmental milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking are set up by this².
• Fine and gross motor abilities are enhanced by tummy time exercises, particularly those that incorporate toys. Babies are learning vital motor skills when they reach out, grasp, push, or crawl.
• Preventing Flat Head Syndrome: Positional plagiocephaly, also referred to as the "flat head syndrome³," can be avoided with regular tummy time. Babies who lie on their backs for extended periods of time run the danger of developing a flat area on the back of their heads. This is broken up by tummy time,which guarantees a uniform head shape.
• Sensory Development: Babies and toddlers get a fresh perspective on the world when they are on their tummies, as their senses are stimulated in a different way than when they are on their backs.
• Bonding Time: Parent engagement is required for tummy time activities, especially in the early years. Parent and child bonding times increase as a result of this.

What is an ideal tummy time routine? 

Your baby will find tummy time more comfortable and less daunting if you establish a regular pattern. Not only is the duration of time on the belly important, but so are the interactions and experiences that take place during these sessions.

• Babies need routines, just as adults do. Your baby will be better able to anticipate and acclimate to tummy time if it is introduced at specific times of the day, such as right before bath time or after diaper changes.
• Being close to you can provide comfort and create a shared experience during tummy time. It might be quite helpful to make funny expressions, sing songs, or just talk to your kid. This further fortifies both of your emotional connections.
• Babies become more curious as they become older. Use a variety of secure home objects as props. Toys for belly time can be made using soft materials with various textures, big plastic rings, or even safe cooking utensils.
• Every child is different. Some people may love doing tummy time activities, but others may be less enthusiastic. It's crucial to observe your baby's reactions and modify the exercises as necessary. If a certain toy isn't appealing enough for tummy time activities, try another one.
• From a small push-up to a big roll, every effort your baby makes during tummy time is a success. Honor these achievements. Cheer and applaud. Your encouragement may increase their desire to stay longer during tummy time.

Activities for tummy time are crucial to a baby's growth. These activities promote physical growth, cognitive development, and sensory experiences in your toddler, from the early days with your baby to the more sophisticated plays with your toddler. To make sure your child gets the most out of these sessions, provide a tummy time activity toy and gradually evolve the activities to meet your child's growth. Even though there are many advantages to tummy time, always make sure your child is safe and is participating in these activities under supervision.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32371428/
2. https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/tummy-time#:~:text=Supervised%20tummy%20time%20is%20important,sometimes%20called%20%E2%80%9Cmotor%20skills%E2%80%9D)
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plagiocephaly-brachycephaly/