Tummy Time 101

You might be shocked to hear that we are pretty chill when it comes to tummy time... no strict schedule or timing. But this doesn’t mean it isn’t a priority. Tummy time is an extremely important activity for development and should be introduced daily. However, in our opinion, babies should enjoy tummy time instead of having it be a forced activity. Here are some ways to have tummy time be more enjoyable:

1. CHECK YOUR SURFACE
If your surface is too squishy or too hard, baby isn’t going to be comfortable. Mats can also be far too busy resulting in an overstimulating environment. Although sensory input is good, too much can actually impede baby’s movement. A few of our favorites are @lovevery and @nursling.co.

2. DON’T FORCE IT
There is something heartbreaking about watching a baby screaming in tummy time! Aim for shorter durations and build up if baby isn’t having it. This will give baby a healthier relationship with tummy time and result in less stress all around.

3. JOIN THE FAMILY
Grab your other littles and read a book together on your tummies while baby is in tummy time. Even though baby might not be engaged quite yet, they are listening and can feel your presence. You can also encourage the older kids to cheer baby on or shake a gentle toy to one side and then the next to encourage head turning.

4. TOES OUT
We learned this important tip from @ontrackbaby. Freeing your baby’s toes from socks, shoes and footie pajamas when in belly down positioning can provide great value. Toes are filled with sensory receptors that are dimmed when covered. Uncovered toes will get exposed to different textures, sensory inputs and gain spacial awareness. Ps- Sensory stimulation promotes movement!

BABY STILL NOT HAVING IT?

5. SKIN ON SKIN
When our babies were tiny, tummy time happened on our chests. Feeling warm, closeness to mom or dad is key to a calm baby. They can feel your heart beat, synchronize their breathing to yours and regulate their body temperature much more easily, leading to a calmer and more enjoyable tummy time.

6. ON LEGS OR YOGA BALL
Positioning baby belly down on your legs in “airplane positioning” is a fun and interactive way to encourage tummy time. You can also gently position baby belly down on a large yoga ball while guiding them in a rocking motion. These gentle forms of movement during tummy time can create a calming effect!

7. BABY-WEARING
As baby grows, “tummy time” while baby-wearing is a simple way to encourage new positions. Allow their head to be free so baby can work on head control while engaging many sensory systems.

8. CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Consider taking your baby to see a pediatric focused chiropractor. Sometimes tummy time can be problematic due to a traumatic birth process - innately or due to use of forceps/vacuum, c-section, extended pushing time, etc. Chiropractors are trained to detect stress on their developing nervous systems associated with birth and more. Your baby is rapidly developing during the first year of life (especially those first few months!), so it is critically important that their nervous systems are functioning at 100%.