Why Tummy Time is an Important Baby Activity
Tummy Time or “floor time” is a very important baby activity for infants - most pediatricians and other baby experts support this. There are others who believe that floor time on baby’s back is more important because it is less restrictive, but the majority of pediatricians emphasize Tummy Time.
Tummy time is one of the best baby activities because it first promotes neck strength and control, the basis for milestones such as rolling over and crawling. To get started, you can place a towel or blanket on a carpeted floor and place baby on her tummy with her head to one side. Get down on the floor with her and encourage her to lift and turn her head - you can call her name from the other side. Also, you can place colored toys near her to encourage head movement. Start with a minute or two one each side then progress to longer periods of time as your baby’s muscles get stronger. This should be obvious, but monitor your baby during this entire activity!
Many pediatricians recommend this baby activity very early - in fact, some babies are able to lift and turn their heads before they are 1 month old! Like most milestones, when your baby is able to do this differs from infant to infant.
Also allow your baby to spend time on her back - she can move much more freely, especially her arms and legs. Moving his head is easier when he is on his back. Finally, lying on his back can sometimes be more comfortable - he may be more mentally involved when looking upwards.
None of this is earth shattering information for parents, but it is easy to forget about this baby activity. After all, parents are busy people too. Get down on the floor with your infant and make it a baby game - have fun!
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