How to Make Tummy Time Easier
As a new parent, I’m sure you have heard about how important it is to do tummy time with your baby. But, has anyone explained WHY it is important?
If you are like me, you like to know the WHY behind things…let me help you with this!
As newcomers to our world, babies “workout” by moving their body against the force of gravity. Since new babies spend a lot of time on their back, this gives them plenty of opportunity to strengthen the muscles on the front of their bodies, mostly the muscles that perform flexion movements, very well.
When we put our babies on their bellies, we are TOTALLY changing the game. Now your baby has to use the muscles opposite to those they are most used to using, the muscles that perform extension movements. This is HARD work!
Tummy time can be frustrating to babies and their parents because it is so challenging. Have no fear, I’m here to help! There are LOTS of ways to modify tummy time to make it easier for everyone.
Before providing some tips, I have to share my 3 rules of tummy time:
QUALITY of tummy time is much more important than QUANTITY of tummy time
If your baby is upset in tummy time, it is time to take a break. Even better if you can read your baby’s cues and take a break BEFORE they are upset.
Help your baby feel the transitional movements in and out of tummy time.
Quality tummy time means that your baby is supported with their arms tucked under their shoulders. They are lifting their head and pushing through their arms. It is OK if you need to help them be successful with this…I will share tips for that in a bit. Quality tummy time can be 10-15 seconds at a time. You will quickly notice that your baby can tolerate more, but they need to start somewhere!
Making sure that your baby doesn’t associate being on their belly with being upset is important. Try doing tummy time in front of a mirror, so that you can monitor your baby’s facial expressions and “roll out” before they get upset. Also listen to your baby. There is a big difference between “hard working” noises, and being upset.
Lastly, learn how to safely roll your baby onto their belly and off. It is important for your baby to begin to get comfortable with movement, especially because we will be expecting them to complete these movements without help in the near future.
Now that we have the RULES out of the way, let me share some tips with you. I suggest trying each of these alone, and pairing some together. It is totally OK to help your baby with their tummy time, especially at first. You will be amazed with how quickly you can peel back some of this help.
Inclines
Placing your baby on an inclined surface with their head/shoulders above their hips, reduces how hard they have to work against gravity (think: doing a plank on the floor is much harder than having your hands up on a bench). Your chest can be an inclined surface if you sit in a reclined position. You can also prop up one end of a couch cushion to make your own inclined surface.
Physical Support
Initially it is helpful to provide physical support at your baby’s shoulders, helping them to position their arms under their shoulders to create a solid base of support. As your baby gets stronger, you can move your hands down their body to support them at their trunk or pelvis. When you provide a point of stability for your baby, they are usually much more successful lifting their heads and pushing with their arms.
You can learn many more Tummy Time tricks and tips at one of my Tummy Time Workshops.. I would LOVE to have you there. You can explore available dates here: Workshop Scheduling
