The period of time your baby spends on his or her belly, alert and playing is very important for healthy growth and development.Babies are taught to push themselves up while on their stomachs.Since it is now recommended that infants sleep on their backs, planned tummy time is even more important.
Step 1: For a healthy baby, start tummy time immediately.
If your baby was born at full term and has no major health problems, you can start tummy time as soon as you get home from the hospital or birth center.Newborns won't be able to move much at first, so watch carefully to make sure your baby is comfortable, and limit the time to a few minutes.Before the stump falls off, some newborns may be uncomfortable on their stomachs.You can delay tummy time for a few weeks if this is the case.
Step 2: If you have any doubts about putting your baby on his or her stomach, talk to your doctor.
Before beginning tummy time, you should get a doctor's approval if your baby was premature or has health problems.Do not put your baby on his or her stomach to sleep.
Step 3: The best time is chosen.
It is possible to maximize the chances that your baby will enjoy tummy time.Pick a time when your baby is alert, cheerful, and unlikely to be hungry and then do tummy time right after a diaper change to build a routine.It is best not to schedule tummy time immediately after a feeding because you don't want your baby to be hungry.This could result in spitting up.When you are putting your baby to sleep, never do tummy time.This should be a stimulating activity.
Step 4: Start in a familiar place.
Place your baby on top of you, stomach to stomach, lying down on your back.Your heartbeat will make your baby feel comforted.As your baby grows, you can use a flat surface, such as a big bed or a blanket on the floor.Simply place your baby on his or her tummy on the flat surface and watch to be sure that he or she supports her head well.Stay close by and keep an eye on the tummy time.Babies have to work harder when they are on their tummy, so they may be a bit upset at first.Pick up your baby if he or she starts crying.
Step 5: The baby's arms need to be adjusted.
The arms should be forward in a way that the baby can use them to help her or himself up.Babies who have their arms restrained or twisted backwards will not be able to enjoy the full benefits of tummy time.
Step 6: The position should be changed.
If your baby gets upset, you can lie him or her on your lap.Put the baby's head and shoulders on the elevated leg if you keep one leg raised over the other.You can sing, talk, and rub the baby's back.Taking care to support the muscles until your baby can do so, you can try holding him or her under your arm.This isn't as beneficial as tummy time on a flat surface.
Step 7: You should prop your baby up.
If your baby can't use his or her hands to push up, you can place a blanket under the arms.Babies like a change of position.A nursing pillow can be used as a prop.
Step 8: The time should be increased slowly.
For very young newborns, you can start with just a minute or two at a time, then increase the time gradually, up to an hour per day by the age of four or five months.Your baby doesn't need to do an hour of tummy time all at once; it's fine to break the time into smaller segments.
Step 9: Keep the company of your baby.
Walk away if you place your baby on his or her stomach.You can lie down and face your baby on your stomach.Your infant will be entertained if you just talk, sing and make faces.
Step 10: There are toys.
You will want to add colorful toys to tummy time as your baby grows.If you can encourage your baby to reach for the toy by waving it in front of his or her head, then you have succeeded.
Step 11: Don't push the issue.
It is fine to end tummy time early if your baby cries or protests.To give your baby the chance to get accustomed to that position and exercise different muscles, not to force them through a rigid program, is the key.tummy time is fun for your baby.
Step 12: Your baby can lift his or her head.
By the end of the first month, your baby may be able to move his or her feet as if he or she were crawling.
Step 13: Head turning is something to look for.
By two months, your baby may be able to hold his or her head up for a longer period of time.
Step 14: Pay attention to the baby's balance.
By three months, your baby may be able to rest on his forearms and thighs with the help of a blanket.By four months your baby will be able to balance on his or her stomach, and by five months you will see that he or she will reach for toys.
Step 15: Your baby will develop strength.
Over the first few months of your baby's life, he or she will get stronger.By the end of the seventh month, your baby may be able to hold himself or herself up with one hand while reaching for a toy.
Step 16: Look for signs of movement.
Babies begin to crawl in the eighth or ninth month.Your baby may start to pull up to a standing position.