At first glance, tummy time might not seem like the most exciting activity for your baby, but when your little one spends time on their belly, awake and supervised, they are building a strong foundation for healthy early development!
So, why is tummy time such a big deal? Let's find out!
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Brain Building Power: Tummy time can contribute to cognitive development. The act and effort involved to hold their head up and reaching for objects helps build important neural connections in their brains. - Sensory Exploration: The world looks different from down on the ground! Tummy time exposes your baby to new textures, sounds, and sights, stimulating their senses and encouraging them to explore their surroundings.
- Building a Strong Foundation: It's exercise! As a baby pushes up their head and chest, they're strengthening their neck, shoulder, and back muscles. These are building blocks for future motor skills like crawling, sitting, rolling, and walking.
- Preventing Flat Spots on their Head: Too much time on a baby's back can lead to flat spots on their head, known as positional plagiocephaly, opens a new window or flat head syndrome. Tummy time helps distribute pressure evenly, helping to reduce the risk of this condition.
- A Time for Bonding: This shared activity strengthens the adult-child bond and can create lasting memories. Try getting down on the floor with your baby, sing songs, make silly faces, and play with colorful toys to make tummy time a fun and interactive experience for you both!
How to Get Started with Tummy Time:
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Follow safety guidelines: Always supervise your baby during tummy time, and never leave them on their stomachs while sleeping. - Start early: You can introduce tummy time as early as a few weeks old. Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the duration as your little one gets stronger.
- Be patient: Some babies might not enjoy tummy time initially. Take breaks, offer encouragement, and make it a positive experience.
- Make it fun: Use colorful mats, quilts, mirrors, and shakers to get your baby's attention and keep them engaged.
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Remember, every baby grows and develops at their own pace. If you're concerned about your baby's tummy time progress, reach out to your pediatrician.
In short, don't underestimate the power of tummy time! This simple activity sets the stage for a healthy, happy, and adventurous future for your growing baby!
Looking for more information on the benefits of Tummy Time? Explore these resources!
Top 5: What You Need to Know About Tummy Time, opens a new window from Zero to Three.
Tummy Time Tips | What You Need to Know About Tummy Time, opens a new window from Pathways.org.
Tummy Time: When To Start and 4 Benefits, opens a new window from Cleveland Clinic.
11 Tummy Time Exercises and Brain Building Activities To Try, opens a new window from Babcare.
What is 'Tummy Time' and when should you start it?, opens a new window from Tiny Happy People at BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).
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