A Guide to Supervised Tummy Time for Your Baby – What happens when my baby doesn’t like Tummy Time?
We understand that new parents are discovering a whole new world after their baby is born. What an absolute roller coaster! In amongst the 100’s of new questions you form daily, you may have found yourself asking “What is this tummy time people keep talking about?” and “Why is it important?” and “What happens when my baby doesn’t like tummy time?”
Here at Osteo for Families we have experience in treating babies and have heard these questions before. We are happy to assist you in navigating this topic.
The main points on supervised Tummy Time have been outlined below:
WHAT is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is exactly that! The time that your baby spends on it’s tummy!
While on their tummies, your baby’s forearms are at their sides in order to take weight and help them to lift their head and back to look around.
Make sure you are always there to supervise your baby during this play activity.
WHEN should my baby start Tummy Time?
Supervised Tummy Time can start soon after they are born on a comfortable, safe surface.
It can be done several times a day, starting from 1-2 minutes, building up to 10-15minutes as they get more comfortable.
You can do supervised Tummy Time several times a day.
HOW should my baby do Tummy Time?
Supervised Tummy Time can be done when your baby is awake and not too tired.
Having interesting and safe toys or books nearby can help encourage your baby to lift and turn their head.
Get on the floor next to your baby yourself! They always love to see your smiling face nearby – talking, singing and engaging with them!
BUT … What happens when my baby doesn’t like tummy time?!
You’ll be happy to know that Tummy Time on the floor is not the only option.
There are many different Tummy Time positions for your baby to try!
Your baby may prefer Tummy Time on a rolled up towel on the floor.
They may enjoy being carried by you over your lap, chest, shoulders or arm
You can even support them over Swiss ball!
WHY is Tummy Time important?
Supervised Tummy time helps strengthen your baby’s head, neck, back and arm muscles.
It helps prevent flat spots on their head (as babies are put to sleep on their backs).
It also helps them to see their world from a different point of view, which also helps brain development.
We understand that your baby may be a bit unsettled when you start doing some Tummy Time. Learning a new skill can be tricky! You can initially keep the time spent on the floor to just a minute to help them adjust and get comfortable.
Points to remember: Always supervise you baby during Tummy Time. As your baby gets better at Tummy Time and starting moving around on the floor, take care to clear away potential dangers. Babies are encouraged to be put to sleep on their backs.
If you have more serious concerns about your baby’s development, we encourage you to consult with your medical practitioner.
If you require an osteopathic consultation for your baby, please contact us on 0416 161 411. As Osteopaths who treat babies we do see babies who struggle with tummy time. With a thorough structural assessment of their back, neck and shoulders we are looking to make sure they have the ability to extend their upper back and neck so they can look up off the ground, and check their shoulders to see if they have the ability to support themselves.
If you would like to book an appointment, please follow this link https://osteo4families.cliniko.com/bookings