Tips for Tummy Time

Tummy time!  Some babies love it, most of them seem to hate it, and heaven forbid the drama that ensues when your child finally learns how to roll onto their tummy, but then can't roll back!

One thing is for sure, tummy time is a necessary exercise to build your child's back and neck muscles, and encourage crawling.  We've assembled some tips to help make tummy time a more enjoyable experience for you and your baby.


1.  Start early.  You can start tummy time as early as in the hospital.  In fact, a great way to start is simply by holding your little one face down on you while you lie on the ground or bed.  This will help them get used to being on their tummy and regard it as a normal position. 

2.  Distract!  When your little one is old enough to enjoy colours, or contrasting flash cards, place these in front of them while they are on their tummy.  This gives them something to look at while they are lying on their front.  A mirror is one of the best distraction tools.  You know how much they like to look at other babies!  This way they can look at their own reflection on the ground in front of them, giving them an interesting view during their time on their tummy.

3.  Support.  Help your little one with tummy time if they really hate it.  A receiving blanket rolled into a bolster is good support for your little one when positioned just under their shoulders.  A nursing pillow can also be a good support.  And your legs or arms are always a welcome support for your baby.

4.  Schedule.  It's easy to forget about tummy time every day, especially if your child doesn't like it.  So schedule it!  If you have a smartphone, schedule a daily reminder.  Or let tummy time be just after their bath at night, or when they wake up from their afternoon nap.  However, if your child spits up, or even if they don't, I wouldn't recommend tummy time just after a feeding!

5.  Engage.  As your baby gets older, a fabulous trick for tummy time is supporting them with the front of your shins while you lie back on the ground.  This way they can look at their favourite thing in the world - their parent!   And then add the pièce de résistance.....a song or two!

 

Here are momstown west Toronto's favourite 'tummy time on the legs' songs:

Baby, Baby Way Up High  (to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle)

Baby, baby way up high

Like an airplane in the sky

Flying high and flying low

A great big kiss from down below

Baby, baby way up high

Like and airplane in the sky

Fly Your Plane (to the tune of Row Your Boat)

Fly, fly, fly your plane

Fly your plane so high

We're zooming up and zooming down

Flying Through the Sky

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom

We're going to the moon

Zoom, zoom, zoom

We're going to the moon

If you want to take a trip, climb aboard my rocket ship

Zoom, zoom, zoom

We're going to the moon

5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....blast off!

Happy tummy time everyone!