Tummy time helps your baby develop muscles and motor skills.
Did you know? Tummy time helps your baby develop muscles and motor skills.
Lying your baby on his stomach instead of his back for play time is known as ‘tummy time’. This time is crucial for babies, from birth, as it helps strengthen certain muscles (including neck and shoulders) and practice movements that are important for proper development.
Back to sleep, tummy to play!
You should always put your baby to sleep on his back, as recommended by professional healthcare organizations. Because of these sleep recommendations, it is important for babies to have time on their tummies when they are awake. Tummy time must always be supervised.
When your baby first comes home from hospital, tummy time can be just for a few seconds at a time, repeated a few times throughout the day.
Spending time on his tummy also has a positive effect on the way your baby’s head shape develops. If your baby spends too much time on his back, the back of his head can flatten. Longer amounts of time on his tummy will help lessen the pressure on the back of his soft skull.
Include tummy time in your routine as a way to help your baby’s development as well as introduce the idea of play. Make it fun!
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics. Back to sleep, tummy to play. 2011
https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx (Accessed December 29 2016)
Related articles
Preventing Baby Food Allergy
In Singapore, babies with no family history of allergy can still have up to 15% chance of getting an allergy.
4 mins to read
How to read baby sign language
From the moment they’re born, your baby has a lot to say.
2 mins to read
Is Baby Food Safe? - Read on to Learn More
Did you know? In many countries, pre-packaged baby food has to meet strict safety standards.
2 mins to read
Bathing baby & toilet training
Unsure about bath time? Here is a step by step guide to baby hygiene to keep your baby clean while bonding.
3 mins to read
Dad In The Labour Ward
The birth is not only a trial for us, but also for the future father! It is a veritable marathon for those who are present in the labour ward to attend the births of their babies.
3 mins to read
Having a healthy breastfeeding diet is important for your baby
Did you know? It is important that you eat a healthy diet while breastfeeding and drink plenty of water and other fluids to help with milk production.
2 mins to read
Physical Activities for Babies – What you need to know
Did you know? Spending time playing with your baby at this age can lead to him being more active when he’s a toddler.
3 mins to read
Decorations And Activities
Not sure of what to do for your child's birthday? Here are some ideas for games and decorations. Why not get your toddler involved and help you make a few decorations?
2 mins to read
How to give baby massage
Baby massages are great for getting baby ready for bed and soothing tummy troubles. Find out what to do with this baby tummy massage breakdown.
2 mins to read
When can babies eat eggs, wheat or nuts
Did you know? Guidelines have changed for when to introduce your baby to eggs, wheat, fish, and foods containing peanuts.
3 mins to read
How Long Do Babies Sleep
Put your knowledge of sleep for babies to the test with this quickfire quiz. Make a note of your answers as you go, then check how many you got right at the end.
4 mins to read
Your Baby's Physical Development
If you think your baby has it easy for the first few months, think again. Each month or even each day, brings new skills and progress.
4 mins to read
Planet-saving tips for an eco-friendly baby
Saving the planet doesn’t have to stop because you’ve had a baby. Yes, they’re a teeny bundle of mess-creating, gadget-needing joy.
2 mins to read
Why is screen time bad for babies?
Did you know? Even at a very young age, screen time can have an impact on activity levels and sleep.
3 mins to read
Folic Acid for pregnancy
To avoid any deficiencies, you need to eat a varied and balanced diet before even falling pregnant. Opt for food types rich in folic acid.
3 mins to read
Don't Forget Carbohydrates!
Carbohydrates provide only 4 calories per 100g, much less than fat, and should represent more than half of your total daily intake.
3 mins to read
5 activities that help with your baby’s development
Ideas for fitting new and fun games into your baby’s routine.
3 mins to read
Activities for 10 Month Old – Here’s some great ones
You may have noticed your baby is moving more and more every day—it may sometimes feel like he’s in constant motion!
4 mins to read
How much food to feed your baby at 9-11 months
With a little knowledge and observation, you will easily be able to identify
2 mins to read
