Among the many pieces of advice new parents receive, one is perhaps the most common: "Place your baby on their tummy". And this is not just a recommendation for fun. Tummy time, or "tummy time", is one of the most important and effective "exercises" for a newborn, playing a critical role in its physical and sensory development. This simple action, which can be easily integrated into the daily routine, is the foundation for all subsequent motor skills — from holding up the head to crawling. This guide will help you understand why it is so important, and how to turn tummy time into an enjoyable and beneficial game for you and your little one.
Why Is It So Important? Benefits for Holistic Development
Modern recommendations regarding safe sleep emphasize that a baby should sleep exclusively on their back. This has significantly reduced the risk of SIDS, but at the same time has led to babies spending less time on their tummy. That’s why conscious tummy time while awake is so essential.
Physical Development:
- Muscle strengthening: This is the main goal. Lying on the stomach, the baby instinctively tries to lift the head to look around. This trains the neck, shoulder girdle, back, and arm muscles. Strong muscles are the foundation for future milestones: confident head holding, rolling, sitting, and crawling.
- Prevention of plagiocephaly: Constant back‑lying can lead to flattening of the occiput. Time on the tummy relieves pressure on the head and promotes the formation of its proper, rounded shape.
- Relief of colic: Gentle pressure on the tummy helps release gas and can ease discomfort during colic.
Sensory and Cognitive Development:
- A new view of the world: Lying on the tummy, the baby sees the world from an entirely new angle, not just the ceiling above the crib. This stimulates visual development and spatial perception.
- Development of tactile sensations: The baby touches the surface with their hands, learning to feel different textures.
- Development of coordination: As they try to push off, the baby learns to coordinate arm and leg movements. This prepares them for crawling.
When and How to Start: A Step-by-Step Guide
When to Start?
You can start from the first days after returning from the maternity hospital, as soon as the umbilical stump has healed. The main condition is that the baby should be alert, fed (but not immediately after a meal; wait 30‑40 minutes) and in a good mood.
How Long?
Start small. For a newborn, **30‑60 seconds 2‑3 times a day** is enough. Gradually increase the duration, guided by the baby’s response. By 3 months, the total tummy time should be about an hour per day, split into short sessions.
How to Do Tummy Time Correctly?
- Prepare the surface: Choose a safe, flat, and moderately firm surface. This can be a floor mat or your bed (under constant supervision!).
- Lie nearby: Your presence is key. Lie on the floor facing the baby, talk, sing, smile. You are the best stimulus to encourage the baby to lift their head.
- Use toys: Place a bright, high‑contrast toy or a non‑breakable mirror in front of the baby to encourage them to lift and hold their head.
- Try alternative positions: If the baby doesn’t like being on the floor, start with the “belly‑to‑belly” position, placing them on your chest.
What to Do If the Baby Dislikes Lying on Their Tummy?
This is a very common situation. For the baby it’s real work, and they may protest. Don’t force them, encourage instead.
- Do it more often, but in short bursts. Ten times for one minute each is better than once for ten minutes with crying.
- Use a roll: A rolled‑up towel or swaddle placed under the chest and armpits will slightly lift the upper body and make the task easier.
- Turn it into a game. Involve other family members, use toys, sing songs.
- Carry in the “tiger on a branch” position: Holding the baby on your arm face‑down also wonderfully trains the muscles.
Safety Rules
**ALWAYS** stay close and watch the baby when they are on their tummy. Never leave them unattended. If the baby falls asleep on their tummy, gently turn them onto their back.
Tummy time is a simple, yet incredibly powerful tool for the harmonious development of your infant. Make this exercise part of your daily routine, and you’ll be amazed to see your little one become stronger and more skillful each day, preparing for their first big milestones.
