Welcome to the realm of tummy time, where remarkable growth unfolds. You ignite a cascade of crucial advancements by placing your baby on its belly. Not only does tummy time nurture motor skills and prevent flat spots, but it also fosters essential bonding, stimulates senses, and propels cognitive development. Here are some more reasons why tummy time for newborns is essential.
- Bonding and Emotional Connection: Tummy time provides a unique opportunity for intimate bonding between parent and baby. By engaging in face-to-face interaction, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in gentle touch, caregivers can deepen their emotional connection with their little one. This skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of warmth and attachment.
- Accelerated Sensory Development: When babies engage in tummy time, they are exposed to a rich sensory environment. The experience of being on their stomach allows them to explore their surroundings from a different perspective. They can observe objects, colours, and patterns in their immediate environment, stimulating their visual and cognitive development. The tactile sensations against their skin and the support of their upper body also contribute to their proprioceptive and vestibular development.
- Enhanced Spatial Awareness and Motor Skills: Tummy time plays a pivotal role in developing essential motor skills. As babies push up on their forearms, they strengthen their neck, shoulder, and core muscles. This increased muscle strength leads to improved head control, which is a significant milestone in a baby’s development. Additionally, tummy time helps babies develop the muscles needed for rolling over, crawling, and eventually sitting up.
- Language Stimulation: Believe it or not, tummy time can contribute to the early development of language skills. By engaging in face-to-face interaction during tummy time, babies are exposed to a rich auditory environment. They can observe their caregivers’ facial expressions, listen to their voices, and begin to associate sounds with specific actions or objects. This exposure to language and communication sets the stage for future language development.
- Improved Digestion and Relief from Discomfort: Engaging in tummy time can help alleviate digestive issues and discomfort in newborns. The gentle pressure on the abdomen while on their belly can aid in the natural movement of trapped gas, reducing the chances of colic or digestive discomfort. Additionally, the slight head elevation during tummy time can help prevent reflux, as it encourages the flow of milk downwards, reducing the likelihood of regurgitation.
How to make the most out of tummy time for newborns?
To make the most out of tummy time for newborns and optimise your baby’s development, there are several key strategies to consider. Begin tummy time sessions early, starting with just a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your baby grows. Engage in face-to-face interaction during tummy time, maintaining eye contact, talking, singing, or making gentle noises to enhance bonding and stimulate language development. Create a stimulating environment by surrounding your baby with age-appropriate toys, colourful objects, and mirrors to capture their attention and encourage exploration.
Provide support by placing a rolled-up towel or small pillow under their chest to help them lift their head and strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. Incorporate sensory elements such as different textures or calming music to enhance tactile and auditory stimulation. Encourage family involvement by inviting siblings or other family members to join in tummy time activities, promoting bonding and interaction. Aim for daily tummy time for newborn sessions, but be flexible in finding what works best for your baby’s temperament and schedule. By implementing these strategies, you can optimise the benefits of tummy time, supporting your baby’s overall development and fostering a strong parent-child bond.
In conclusion, embrace the wonders of tummy time and watch your baby soar! With face-to-face giggles, colorful explorations, and supportive props, you’re creating a world of growth and joy. So, let the tummy adventures begin, and witness your little one’s development take flight!
For more information on how to start tummy time and tummy time activities, visit Raising Superstars.
