Tummy Time 101 And The 5 Best Tummy-Time Toys for Babies
If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard the phrase “tummy time” thrown around a lot. But what is tummy time, exactly. Why is it so important for your little one, and what are the best activities and tummy-time toys to use? Keep reading to find out.
Tummy Time Basics
Tummy time is simply when your baby spends some time each day on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. This can be done while they’re lying on a playmat or blanket, or even while being held by an adult.
Most babies don’t love tummy time at first, but it’s important to persevere because there are so many benefits for both their physical and mental development. Let’s take a closer look at some of those benefits now.
The Benefits of Tummy Time
Tummy Time Helps Your Baby Grow Stronger
During tummy time, your baby is working on their gross motor skills by lifting their head and chest off the ground. This helps them develop the muscles in their back, neck, and shoulders, which will eventually lead to them being able to sit up, crawl, and walk. Tummy time also gives your baby a chance to practice using their arms and legs, which helps them develop coordination and motor skills.
Tummy Time Prevents Flat Spots on Your Baby’s Head
When your baby spends most of their time on their back, they can develop flat spots on their head, which are more likely to occur in the back of the head. These flat spots are usually temporary and will go away once your baby starts spending more time upright. However, doing tummy time can help prevent them from happening in the first place.
Tummy Time Helps You Bond with Your Baby
Bonding with your baby is important for both of you. When you spend time talking, singing, or playing with your baby during tummy time, it helps them feel secure and loved. It also gives you a chance to learn more about your baby’s personality and what they like and don’t like. Tummy time can be a great opportunity for some quality one-on-one time with your little one.
How to do tummy-time correctly
So how do you do tummy time correctly to ensure your baby gets the most benefit from it? Here are some tips:
1. Start with short periods of time. When you first start doing tummy time with your baby, start with short periods of time (2-3 minutes) and gradually increase the amount of time as your baby gets stronger.
2. Put a towel under their chin. To help prevent your baby from getting a chin full of drool, put a towel under their chin while they’re doing tummy time. You can also put a towel under their chest to help prop them up slightly and make it more comfortable for them.
3. Give them something to look at. Babies love looking at faces, so one way to keep your baby entertained during tummy time is to put a mirror in front of them or hold them up so they can see your face. You can also put a favorite toy just out of reach so they have something to strive for.
4. Take breaks as needed. If your baby starts getting frustrated or tired, take a break and try again later. You don’t want tummy time to be a negative experience for either of you!
Fun activities to do with your baby during tummy-time for added stimulation and development
1. Play peek-a-boo – This is a classic game that never gets old. Place a blanket over your baby’s head and then pull it off while saying “peek-a-boo!” Your baby will love the visual stimulation and the sound of your voice. You can also play this game with a toy instead of a blanket.
2. Prop up a mirror – Babies are fascinated by their own reflections. Place a mirror in front of them during tummy time so they can see themselves. You can even make silly faces in the mirror with them to make it more fun.
3. Give them something to reach for – Hang a toy or rattle just out of your baby’s reach so they have something to work towards during tummy time. They’ll love the challenge of trying to grab it and will be rewarded with the fun toy or noise when they finally succeed.
4. Get moving – Tummy time doesn’t have to mean lying still on the floor. If your baby is getting antsy, try gently moving them around on their tummy while singing or talking to them. This can help soothe them while still giving them the benefits of tummy time.
Are there any risks associated with tummy-time, and how can you avoid them?
There are two main risks associated with tummy time: positional asphyxia and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Positional asphyxia occurs when a baby’s position prevents them from getting enough oxygen. This can happen when a baby is lying on their stomach, which is why tummy time is often discouraged. However, if you take some precautions, you can help prevent positional asphyxia from happening. For example, make sure that your baby’s head is not lower than their chest, and that their chin is not tucked into their chest. Additionally, try to keep your baby’s head up as much as possible so that they can breathe easily. If you notice that your baby is starting to get tired or sleepy, end the tummy time session so that they can rest in a different position.
SIDS is another risk associated with tummy time. SIDS is the sudden and unexpected death of an infant under the age of one year. While the exact cause of SIDS is unknown, it is believed to be linked to sleeping on the stomach. Tummy time can help reduce the risk of SIDS by helping babies develop the muscles in their necks and shoulders, which allows them to lift their heads and turn their faces to the side if they start to experience difficulty breathing.
How to Avoid the Risks Associated With Tummy Time
Now that we’ve looked at some of the risks associated with tummy time, let’s talk about how to avoid them. First and foremost, always supervise your baby during tummy time. Do not leave them unattended on their stomachs, even for a few minutes. Additionally, make sure that you put your baby on a firm surface—such as a floor mat or playpen—for tummy time. Soft surfaces like beds or couches are not ideal because they can increase the risk of positional asphyxia. Finally, try to limit tummy time to 10-15 minutes at a time so that your baby doesn’t get too tired or sleepy. If you take these precautions, you can help ensure that your baby has a safe and enjoyable tummy time experience.
How long should you continue doing tummy-time each day, and when can you stop?
The general rule of thumb is that you should aim for around 20-30 minutes of tummy time each day. This can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day, or done all at once. If your baby is having trouble adjusting to tummy time, start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the length of each session.
You can stop doing tummy time when your baby is able to sit up unassisted. This usually happens around 6-9 months old, but every baby is different. If your baby seems to be struggling with tummy time, talk to your pediatrician about whether or not you should continue.
Is Tummy Time good for Newborns
The short answer is yes! Newborns can do tummy time, but it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger. Here are a few tips for successful tummy time with your newborn:
– Place your baby on their stomach on a firm surface like a floor mat or blanket.
– Put a toy within arm’s reach so they have something to motivate them.
– Stay close by and supervise at all times.
– If your baby starts to get fussy, take a break and try again later.
– Don’t worry if your baby only tolerates a few minutes of tummy time at first—it will get easier as they get stronger!
Here are our top 5 picks for the best tummy-time toys for babies.
1. A mirror is a great way to entertain your baby during tummy time. Not only will they love looking at their own reflection, but they’ll also enjoy watching you make silly faces in the mirror next to them. Be sure to choose a unbreakable mirror that’s securely attached to the floor or wall so baby can’t pull it down on top of them.
2. A soft, plush toy is another great option for tummy time fun. Look for a toy that’s lightweight and easy for baby to grab so they can practice picking it up and holding onto it. Bonus points if it has a built-in rattle or crinkle sound to help keep baby’s attention!
3. A activity mat is a great way to encourage your baby to keep moving during tummy time. Look for a mat with different textures, colors, and patterns to stimulate your little one’s senses, as well as plenty of hanging toys and rattles for them to reach for and grab.
4. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate music into tummy time, consider getting a toy piano or xylophone. These instruments are perfect for tiny hands and can help promote your baby’s sense of rhythm and beat. Plus, you might just get a few minutes of peace and quiet while they bang away on their new toy!
5. Last but not least, don’t forget about good old-fashioned books! Reading together is a great way to bond with your baby, and it’s never too early to start instilling a love of books and reading. Choose board books or cloth books that are durable enough to withstand some drool and chewing—you’ll be glad you did!
Conclusion:
Tummy time may not be your baby’s favorite activity at first, but with the right toys and activities, it can be an enjoyable experience for both of you! These five tummy-time toys are sure to keep your little one entertained while helping them develop the strength and skills they need for rolling over, crawling, and beyond. So get out there and enjoy some quality tummy time with your little one today! For more fun things to do with your baby or toddler, also check out our activities section here on the blog.
Always supervise your baby during tummy time, make sure they’re on a firm surface such as a floor mat or playpen, and limit their sessions to 10-15 minutes at a time. By taking these measures, you can help ensure that your baby enjoys a safe and fun tummy time experience!
