“Tummy time” is when you lay your baby on their tummy to encourage their muscle development and independence. Tummy time helps guide your little one towards independent exploration, play, and learning.
As your baby becomes more comfortable, it will become a natural position for them, helping them to learn to roll, sit, crawl, stand and walk.
Why introduce Tummy Time?
During the first few months of life, newborns spend lots of time on their backs. To develop their neck, back, and general upper body, they need to spend time on their front. Tummy time is not only an essential start to their motor skills development; it’s also a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with your little one.
Benefits of tummy time:
- Builds upper body strength
- Develops motor skills
- Prevents flat spots developing on the skull
- Encourages independence
- Exposes baby to new sights, sounds, and textures
- Enables them to use hand motor skills for holding, reaching, and grabbing
- Fosters independence and taste for learning
- Creates an opportunity for connection with your baby
How old should my baby be before introducing tummy time?
Every baby has different needs, meaning there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” timeline for when to start tummy time. Starting tummy time early means your baby will get used to it sooner and hopefully avoid them fussing later.
Typically, babies should be working up to about an hour on their tummy over a day by three months old. Good times to practice tummy time include when your little one first wakes up from a nap, after a nappy change, or after bath time when they are alert and happy.
How To “Tummy Time”
There are many ways you can help baby practice tummy time; here are the most popular:
- Lap: lay your baby across your lap with one knee higher than the other supporting their chest, with one hand baby’s back to let them know you’re there. This is a great first introduction to spending time on their tummy. Gently rub the baby’s back to soothe them during tummy time.
- Tummy-to-Tummy: lay on your back and place your baby on your tummy, so their tummy is on yours. This is a lovely way to make direct eye contact while encouraging them to look around.
- Floor Time: choose either a French Linen play mat or a TPU foam baby tummy time play mat on the floor in a suitable spot. Place your baby on their tummy on the tummy time mat and be sure to interact with them, so they feel safe. Try lying down next to them to reassure them if they are a little fussy.
Choosing the right tummy time play mat
Creating a safe and comfortable space for your baby to explore tummy time is a priority, so choose a luxurious, non-toxic tummy time mat in Australia for your little one. We designed our range of 100% French Flax Linen play mats and our TPU foam mats to meet the highest tummy time play mats standards in Australia.
Enjoy every moment of tummy time with your baby on a beautiful and functional Ludere baby play mat.
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