5 essential tummy time moves
Making sure your baby is active is important for his health, not only now but later in life too. Tummy time is a big part of that, as it helps develop important muscles and motor skills that he’ll need to use when he gets bigger and starts doing things like crawling and rolling over. And, it’s just a lovely way to spend time with your new baby!
Tummy time can start from the moment you bring your baby home from the hospital, and is a great daytime activity. There are no strict rules as to when you should do it, just whenever your baby is happy to play along is fine. And if he gets a little fussy or isn’t enjoying it, there’s no need to force it.
Remember – never leave your baby alone when he’s on his tummy.
Here are some ways to make tummy time fun for the two of you:
Tummy-to-tummy
While lying on your back, either on the floor or on the bed, place your baby on your stomach or chest, while holding him firmly, for some cuddly face-to-face tummy time.
Eye-to-eye
Place your baby on the floor, either on his playmat or a clean blanket or towel, then lie down at his level, to encourage eye contact. If you feel he needs extra support, place a rolled-up blanket or towel under his chest and arms.
Tummy-to-lap
Lie your baby across your lap on his tummy, making sure to keep a hand on his back or bottom to keep him steady. Great for tummy time, and a helpful soothing or burping method.
Super baby
Celebrate the mini hero your baby is! While standing upright, put one hand under your baby’s chest and tummy and the other between his legs. Support his head the whole time and hold him tummy-side-down, close to your body.
All change!
Whenever you change your baby, try placing him on his tummy for a couple of minutes afterwards. (Never leave him on the changing table alone, of course).
Sources
https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/The-Importance-of-Tummy-Time.aspx (Accessed December 29 2016)
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/312-stages-of-play-from-birth-to-6-months-a-full-body-experience (Accessed December 29 2016)
http://pathways.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tummytimebrochure_english.pdf (Accessed December 29 2016)
Related articles
Your 40th Week of Pregnancy
Your baby is coming very soon. It measures 50 cm from crown to heel. It weighs 3.3kg, almost its final birth weight. The diameter of the head is 9.5cm, the size of a small melon.&
3 mins to read
8 month old to 10 month old activities
The time you spend playing with your baby is precious, and enjoying games together is fun for both of you. But playtime is much more than just special moments spent together.
4 mins to read
13-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
The start of your second trimester is the start of lots of new development milestones for your baby. Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Your Daily Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy
Iron, calcium, protein and carbohydrates, fibre and fats are all "must-haves" for baby making. Find out why.
6 mins to read
C-sections: What you need to consider
How you bring your baby into the world is a very personal decision, with different factors at play. Here are a few things to consider about an elective caesarean, also known as a C-section.
2 mins to read
Does your toddler sleep less than your grandparents did?
Sleep has always been a concern for parents.
1 min to read
25-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. . Read more about how to help feed it.
2 mins to read
Will I Be A Good Mother? Managing Prenatal Anxiety
With just a few weeks to go until your baby's grand entrance, you may be starting to think beyond the birth.
2 mins to read
Why fatherhood begins before conception
Your partner’s diet and lifestyle can play a vital role in conceiving your future baby.
4 mins to read
The Second Trimester
A lot of women start to believe that it’s all really real as they move into their second trimester. Is that you? Either way, there’s a lot going on in weeks 13 to 26.
1 min to read
36-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
From now until she makes her grand entrance, your baby will continue to grow. She is already 45 cm long and weighs about 2.9 kg! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
2'-FL – Natural Guardians of Your Baby’s Development
Your little ones need extra protection in early life as their natural defence systems are not fully developed at birth.
3 mins to read
How to make 9 months baby sleep
Did you know? By the age of nine months, about three out of four babies are sleeping through the night.
2 mins to read
14 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
When you are 14 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a grapefruit! Have you felt her move or kick yet? If not, you should be able to in the next weeks!
3 mins to read
Your Appetite During Pregnancy : Cravings and Aversions
Pregnancy hormones can impact your appetite and sense of taste. Find out how you can manage your appetite and eat well during pregnancy.
3 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a baby shower for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some baby shower ideas to get you started.
2 mins to read
It’s not just breast milk, it’s nature’s own defense system
Did you know…?
The natural protection in breast milk will help nurture your newborn.
2 mins to read
26 weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
A little ta-da moment for the final week of your second trimester – your baby will open her eyes for the first time around now! Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
The Magical Moments After Birth - What To Expect
With 9 months in the making, the anticipation of meeting your baby is almost unbearable. Here's what you have to look forward to during those magical moments after you give birth.
3 mins to read
