Tummy Time is the time when your baby is on their stomach. It is an essential exercise for a baby’s motor, visual, and sensory growth. Parents can follow different tummy time positions with their baby during tummy time.
When your baby becomes more comfortable, it will become a familiar position for them and help them learn to crawl, stand and eventually walk. Just read below to know about the best positions for a baby.
Timing Tummy Time
You should aim to achieve at least an hour of Tummy Time total per day by three months of age. You can break this tummy time can be broken up into smaller parts.
You should start with a few minutes with newborn babies and build up to longer sessions. Experts recommend that you allow the baby 30 minutes of tummy time every day.
Recommended Tummy Time Positions
Lap Laying
You have to lay your baby across your lap with one knee on top rather than the other supporting baby’s chest, with one hand baby’s back to let them feel your presence. Smoothly rub the baby’s back to comfort them during tummy positions. You can also use some baby oil or natural lotion to make tummy time even better.
Tummy to Tummy or Tummy to Chest
You have to lie down on the floor or a bed in this position. Then, place your baby on your chest or tummy. Always hold securely for the safety of the baby.
Tummy Down Carry or Football Hold
You need to place one hand under the tummy and between your baby’s legs and carry them by tummy down. Just use your other hand to support the baby’s head and neck.
Lap Soothe
You need to place the baby face down across your lap. Your hand should be on the baby’s bottom side to support steady and calm them. You can also use this move to burp and soothe the baby.
Tummy Minute
You have to place your baby on their tummy for one or two minutes. In the beginning, start with a few minutes and then try to take it up to an hour a day in short intervals when tummy time on chest.
Eye-Level Smile
You have to get down to the baby’s level to sustain eye contact as your baby loves to see your face.
Side Laying
You will need to place your baby on a blanket on her side. If their head needs support, place a small, folded towel under her head. Baby’s arms should be in the front direction, and her legs also in the forward direction, and you have to bend her knees to make her comfortable.
Tummy Time Tips
Now that we’ve talked about why tummy time is essential, go over some tummy time techniques and what milestones you can expect; let’s go over some other helpful tips to make the most of tummy time!
- You have to dress your baby in slightly loose-fitting, comfy clothes that allow for plenty of movement.
- Lay down a soft blanket or sheet, but make sure it doesn’t slide around too much as the baby moves around.
- Change the direction you lay the baby in when you place them in their crib during bedtime. This can help them to alternate how they look out of the crib, helping build neck strength.
- Pick up your baby often as it also limits the time they spend laying down.
- You should always put your baby on their back during sleep and only practice tummy when the baby is awake and directed.
- You should use tummy time pillows and add tummy time toys to make your work easy.
Final Verdict
Tummy time prepares the baby for the impressive developmental steps to come. By 3 month old, most babies can lift their heads 45 degrees, they can go to 90 degrees by pushing up on their hands. And around nine months, many babies begin crawling. Just keep your eye on your baby’s tummy time positions.
