Tummy time is an essential part of a baby’s development, but it is often overlooked or underestimated by new parents. Tummy time is the time that babies spend on their stomachs while they are awake and supervised. It is important for a number of reasons, including helping babies develop strong muscles, improving their coordination and balance, and promoting healthy brain development.
One of the primary benefits of time spent playing on their fronts is that it helps babies develop the muscles in their neck, back, and arms. When babies spend most of their time on their backs, these muscles can become weak and underdeveloped. Playing whilst lying on their tummies helps to strengthen these muscles and improve their overall muscle tone. According to Kathryn Hesketh, UCL, “In infants, tummy time when awake is particularly important for development” (ref)
In addition to helping babies develop strong muscles, tummy time can also improve their coordination and balance. As babies lift their heads and reach for toys or other objects during tummy time, they develop their sense of balance and coordination. This can be especially important for babies who are learning to crawl or walk.
Tummy time is also important for promoting healthy brain development. When babies are placed on their stomachs, they are forced to look around and explore their environment. This helps to stimulate their brains and can promote the development of important neural connections. Tummy time can also help to improve babies’ visual and spatial skills, as they learn to track objects and follow movement.
Despite the many benefits of tummy time, many parents are hesitant to engage in it with their babies. Some may be worried about their baby getting frustrated or upset, while others may be concerned about the risk of SIDS. It is important to remember that tummy time should always be supervised and that babies should never be left alone on their stomachs. When done properly, tummy time can be a fun and enjoyable activity for both babies and parents. Visit the Lullaby Trust for information about safe sleep and tummytime.
So, how can parents incorporate tummy time into their daily routine? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should have several sessions every day, starting from the first few days of life (ref). Tummy time can be done on a blanket, a play mat, or even on the floor. Parents can make tummy time more enjoyable by placing toys or other interesting objects within reach, or by singing or talking to their babies while they are on their stomachs.
In conclusion, tummy time is an important part of a baby’s development and should be a regular part of their daily routine. It helps to strengthen muscles, improve coordination and balance, and promote healthy brain development. By incorporating tummy playtime into their daily routine, parents can help their babies reach their full potential which in turn sets them up for a lifetime of success! It is a key activity in every Baby College infant class.
