Is Tummy Time really that important? What if my baby hates it?
Tummy- time Goals? Now, this may shock you but, by 4 months of age - I recommend that babies are getting 80-90 minutes of tummy-time per day!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by this number?!
Don’t worry - this can be broken up throughout the day — and doesn’t have to ONLY be with baby on the hard floor.
So, how do we do this? When the baby is a newborn- think about starting tummy-time as soon as possible, then slowly start to add time every week.
One of the ways that we can build in habits is to “stack” them with things we are already doing.
What this might look like for example is:
Diaper change
Roll baby on to tummy for 3 mins (more If they are happy!)
repeat 5x per day (or at every diaper change)
Slowly add time each week to work up to 80-90 minutes.
As baby gets older (2-3 months) - they are usually able to “right” their head- meaning holding it up against gravity as you change them from a vertical to a horizontal position (without head flopping) - this is how you know they are ready for these more advanced exercises!
Here are some of my favorite games/exercises/play for older babies in tummy-time (>2 mo old):
Lay on your back with baby on your legs + swing legs in and out
Place baby tummy down on a large exercise ball in front of a mirror or in front of siblings, or anything of interest — roll the ball in and out as you hold the baby for support
Stand facing a mirror - holding baby vertical. Swing baby from vertical to horizontal - “Supergirl” trying to get baby to look at themselves in the mirror.
Wide squat. hold baby facing you in a vertical position. Place both hands on baby’s back; fingers gently supporting head and neck. As you squat down allow baby to swing between your legs.
Lunge swings -in lunge position— Hold baby in a vertical position to the right of your body. As you go down into the lunge, swing baby gently into a horizontal position.
What are your favorites? I would love to know what has worked for you!
