All About... Tummy Time
Tummy play strengthens baby’s neck, shoulder, arm, back, tummy, buttock and even hand muscles. Parents should place their babies on their tummies from as early as newborn days (for only a few seconds) but definitely before six months (for around 10 minutes a few times a day).
Tummy time is best done after a feed and when your little one is happy. (Because it’s recommended that babies sleep on their backs to combat cot death, there’s no more tummy time at night. )
- Place baby over your legs while you’re sitting with one of your legs higher than the other, so that baby’s head is angled slightly upwards. Gently rock your legs so that baby will enjoy the experience.
- Lie on your tummy in front of or next to baby, so they can see your face up close, and have a nice chat. You can also roll a ball to older babies in this position.
- Place a rolled towel or receiving blanket under your baby’s chest, with their elbows under the shoulders. This makes it easier for baby to lift and turn their head.
- Lie on your back and place baby on their tummy on your chest. (This is a great one for dads to do.) When baby is happy with this, move them onto the floor.