Tummy time for newborns – without the crying!
Alternative ways to help your baby with tummy time other than putting them flat on the floor.
The promotion of tummy time started after the “Back to Sleep” (now called “Safe to Sleep”) campaign launched in ‘90s. This campaign promotes putting babies to sleep on their back in a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Previously, most babies were put to sleep on their belly. After the start of the campaign, SIDS rates reduced significantly. However, there was a notable increase in delayed milestone acquisition, torticollis, and flat head syndrome that was attributed to the increased amount of time babies spent on their back. To combat this, infant healthcare providers started promoting tummy time positioning/play when awake to improve developmental skills.
Tummy time benefits infant development in so many ways. Babies develop motor skills from head to toe, and tummy time is one of best positions babies work against gravity to gain head control, and get stronger muscles in their arms, back, and core. It is through free, unrestricted movement on the floor that babies gain the skills to roll, sit, crawl, and walk. Good tolerance to tummy time helps decrease tension from birth and is linked to improved breastfeeding and self-soothing. Additionally, tummy time play allows for the most advanced environmental explorations and sensory experiences as a newborn.
So, you’ve probably been told by your healthcare provider that you should be doing tummy time. But are you wondering how soon you should start, how often you should be doing it, and if you can put your baby flat on their belly? The truth is tummy time can start on day 1! There is no magic number for how long or how many times to practice tummy time. A good goal to shoot for is trying to play in tummy time once every daily wake cycle. Comfort and play with your baby in a preferred tummy time position until they show the signs of fussiness, and then take them out of it. This should be a positive and stress-free experience for you and baby. Tummy time may last for a few seconds or minutes at first and will gradually increase as your baby grows. Although it’s safe to put a healthy newborn flat on their belly, this position may be difficult for them for their first few months of life. Here are some alternative ways to practice tummy time that your baby will love:
On your chest.
Try skin to skin for improved self-regulation for baby and parent.
Over a boppy.
Don’t have a boppy? Use a rolled-up towel under the arms.
Supported on an exercise ball.
Try rolling baby and ball slowly back and forth, side to side, and gently bouncing to improve sensory integration. If holding your baby from behind, roll the ball back to position them at an incline to make it easier.
On your lap.
Face baby outwards and angle knees higher than hips to make it easier.
Baby Wearing
Although this isn’t true tummy time, we love this position as an alternative to containers, and baby gets to work on head control.
Other tips and tricks for setting up the perfect tummy time environment:
Get on your baby’s level. Baby will love looking at your face and interacting with you. Try doing supervised/assisted tummy time on a raised surface like the couch or changing table.
Use a favorite toy placed in front or to the sides of baby to encourage head lifting and turning. We love the black and white patterned cards!
Use a mirror. Babies love gazing at themselves.
Go outside or change up rooms.
Comfort your baby through singing, talking, and touch.
Most importantly, find what works for your family and enjoy watching your baby get stronger!
