Why tummy time is important Show
Tummy time happens when your baby lies on their tummy with weight on their forearms. Tummy time builds head, neck and upper body strength. Your baby should do it often each day. Start tummy time soon after birth. In the first few weeks, try tummy time for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Your baby can build up to 10-15 minutes, several times a day. Back to sleep, tummy to play. While asleep, baby spends a lot of time on their back with their head in one position. This can cause flat spots on the back of their head. Tummy time helps to prevent this. How to do tummy timePlace safe objects and toys close to your baby. Move them from side to side in front of your baby’s face. This encourages your baby to move, lift and turn their head. Get down on the floor next to your baby. Turn pages in picture books or magazines. This develops your baby’s eye strength and keeps them interested. Put a non-breakable mirror next to your baby so they can see their reflection. Try tummy time in different places, like outdoors on a blanket. Making tummy time interesting, fun and safeLet your baby know you’re there by talking and singing, stroking their back or tickling their hands. If your baby doesn’t like tummy time on the floor, try tummy time on a rolled-up towel, your lap or large ball. Supervise baby during tummy time. As your baby gets stronger and starts moving more, clear away dangerous things. Languages other than English
Many health professionals will mention tummy time when asking about your baby’s development. Tummy time involves placing your baby on their stomach when they are awake. This is very important to help strengthen your baby’s muscles and protect the shape of their head. It is normal for young babies to be unhappy on their tummy as their heads are heavy and tummy time is hard for them. Even though babies may feel uncomfortable initially, it is important to keep trying. Why does my baby need to do tummy time?Placing your baby on their tummy helps them in a number of ways, including:
When can I start tummy time with my baby?Tummy time can be safely started from birth. It has been found that babies who start regular tummy time early like this position more and can manage it for longer periods of time. Try to do tummy time regularly throughout the day and make it a part of your baby’s regular activity. Start with short periods of tummy time (one to two minutes) and slowly increase the time as your baby becomes stronger (aiming for 10 to 15 minutes at least three times a day, by around four months of age). Babies with big heads or those who were born early often find tummy time more difficult and may need more time to improve at it. How can I do tummy time with my baby?There are a number of different
ways to do tummy time with your baby. Do not leave your baby alone or unsupervised during any tummy time positions. These positions may be helpful if your baby does not like being directly on their tummy or has colic or reflux. Please see our Kids Health Info fact sheets on Reflux (GOR) and GORD and
Crying and unsettled babies - colic for more information. Positions for tummy time
Please note: remember to put your baby on their back for sleep safety - never sleep your baby on their tummy or side. What are some tips to help my baby with tummy time?
When to see a doctor?Remember that it is normal for your baby to find tummy time difficult to begin with. If you remain concerned or are worried about any of the following, please seek medical advice from your GP, Maternal and Child Health nurse, paediatrician or a paediatric physiotherapist:
Key Points to Remember
For more information
Common questions our doctors are askedAt what age is it no longer necessary to put my baby on their tummy? We recommend you continue with tummy time until your baby starts to crawl or can get onto and off their tummy themselves. Once your baby is doing this, they will be doing their own tummy time. Remember, it is safe to start tummy time from birth. If my baby has reflux/vomits a lot, should I put them on their tummy? What do I do if my baby dislikes tummy
time? Use some of the tips listed on this page to make tummy time more enjoyable and a little easier for them. The more upright your baby is when they are on their tummy, the easier it will be for them. Remember, every little bit helps and your baby should slowly improve and start to enjoy being on their tummy. If they continue to have difficulties, please talk to your GP, Maternal and Child Health nurse, paediatrician or a paediatric physiotherapist What do I do if my baby is developing a flat head or unusual head shape? Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Physiotherapy Department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers. Developed December 2020 Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au. Where do babies arms go for tummy time?when baby is on their tummy and it takes a great effort for baby to briefly lift head. Arms are bent inward with hands positioned near shoulders. Knees are bent under hips and some leg movements may be beginning. Baby may lift head to 45 degrees briefly and turn head to place opposite cheek down.
Where should tummy time be placed on hands?Place a hand on baby's bottom to help stabilize and soothe them. Carry baby tummy down with one hand between the legs and under the tummy. Your other hand supports baby's head and shoulders. Nestle baby close to you for additional support.
Why does my baby not use her arms during tummy time?Babies with atypical muscle tone (very loose or very tight muscles or joints) often find it difficult to push up from their stomachs onto forearms or hands. They have to work harder than their peers, but with encouragement from parents and guidance from a therapist, they can learn to enjoy being on their tummies.
How do I get my baby to push on arms during tummy time?Try to keep their arms forward and hips flat. To encourage your baby to push up during tummy time, blow bubbles, shake the rolling bell from The Charmer Play Kit, or put a favourite toy above their head.
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