Tummy Time is an important activity for your baby’s development and is HIGHLY encouraged in the NICU. Because the AAP recommends that babies sleep on their backs to decrease their risk of SIDS, babies need enough supervised Tummy Time during the hours they are awake to strengthen head, neck, and upper body muscles.
Tummy Time is defined as supervised playtime when your baby is fully awake and lying on his/her tummy. There are SO MANY benefits associated with Tummy Time, and ALL babies can benefit from it.
Tummy Time:
Helps your baby’s head, neck, and upper body muscles develop
Helps to build the strength and coordination needed for rolling over, sitting up, crawling, reaching, and playing.
Helps him/her learn to pull to a stand and walk more quickly
Helps promote gross motor skills
Helps some babies with digestion and passing gas
Helps prevent your baby’s head from developing a flat spot on the back (positional plagiocephaly)
Takes place on a safe and firm surface such as the floor, a mat, rolled towel, over a pillow or boppy, or even when lying on mom or dad’s chest while reclined in a chair
Provides a bonding moment between you and your baby
Tummy Time should be a regular part of your baby’s daily routine. It can be done in short sessions throughout the day, based on your baby's tolerance and needs. Ideally, the goal is for Tummy Time to be performed three times a day. Start with one minute intervals and gradually progress up to 30 minutes. Pay attention to signs that your baby is getting tired and fatigued, such as crying or resting his face on the ground. If they start to look sleepy, place them on their back in their crib. As your baby gets used to Tummy Time, place your baby on his or her stomach more frequently or for longer periods of time.
Questions? Comments? Concerns? // <3