You’ve just come home from the hospital with your
brand new baby and there are a million and one things to remember and figure
out. Your mother tells you to warm a
bottle a certain way, your pediatrician reminds you to call the office to make
your first appointment, your sister informs you the brand of diapers you are
using aren’t the ‘right ones’…your mind is spinning and all you want to do is
sit in peace, snuggle your newborn and take a snooze! And then your best friend texts to say, ‘Don’t
forget about Tummy
Time’! Tummy what!?
So…what is ‘Tummy Time’?
o It’s the time during the day your baby spends on their
tummy while they are awake.
o The American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their
backs to sleep and on their tummies to play.
Why is it so important?
o Tummy Time helps your baby develop their neck, back and
shoulder muscles that are needed to meet developmental
milestones.
o It can also help
prevent conditions like flat head syndrome and twisted
neck (positional torticollis).
o Your baby needs Tummy Time, gentle touching, holding and
eye contact, just as much as they need nutrients to grow and develop!
When can I start Tummy Time with my baby?
o As soon as your baby comes home from the hospital!
How much Tummy Time does my baby need?
o Aim for a few minutes at a time, several times a day.
o Try putting your baby on their tummy for a few minutes
after each diaper change.
o Work up to an hour per day by the time they are 3 months
old.
My baby hates
Tummy Time, how do I make it fun?
o Find your baby’s happiest times of day and try it then.
o Avoid Tummy Time right after a feeding.
o Sing songs or play music to calm and soothe baby.
o Use rattles, toys, and mirrors to get their attention.
o Get down on the floor with them so you are at eye level. Let
older siblings in on the fun too! Your baby loves to see your faces and have
you on their level to play! J
For more tips and tricks
click here. If you are
concerned about your child’s development give our Early Intervention Program a call at
518-565-4848.
Have
fun and good luck!
Jessica
Mathews
Children’s
Services Program Specialist
Health Care Services
Division
