When to Start Tummy Time

Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like – time spent on the tummy! Tummy time is important for babies because it puts them in a position to lift and turn their heads by themselves. Eventually, these same muscle groups will help your baby to sit up, crawl, climb and walk.  You can start Tummy Time straight after the baby is born, no need to wait a few days or weeks.

Quite often babies don't enjoy tummy time, they may fuss and cry

Since it is so important to their development, here are a few tips to help get your little one accustomed to tummy time:

• Start early by putting your newborn on her tummy on your lap two to three times per day

• Gradually increase the tummy time sessions as your child grows

• Interact with your baby and play with black and white flash cards, or as they get older you can use attention-grabbing toys.

• Blow bubbles or place balls in front of your baby and watch them reach and grab for them.

Tummy time doesn't only have to happen on a floor mat, here are some other techniques:

• Recline on the floor or couch with a pillow under your head and put your baby on your chest, belly to belly. (She'll push up on her arms to look at your face.)

• Use a pillow to prop up your baby and lay a book down in front of him while you read.

• Place your baby across your lap with your baby's head hanging over your leg while you sit on the floor.

Before long your baby will be rolling back and forth from front to back!