Importance of Tummy Time

Every new parent is eager to learn parenting tips and new things for their baby, because he/she only wants the best for the baby. How do babies sleep? What types of foods can you give them, when to stop breastfeeding, etc. From pediatricians, to close family members and friends, they're definitely the source of finding new ways to strengthen your baby. They can show and educate you on certain methods to strength your baby and allow them to gain new experiences.

But there's one strategy that your family or friends probably keep telling you to do for your baby — give them tummy time! But you don't exactly know the importance behind it. You're also probably thinking that leaving a baby on his/her stomach isn't good for their digestive system and/or chest.

In fact, it's super important to give your baby every now and then tummy time. Why? Let me list you the great aspects and importance of tummy time. You'll then want to try this on your own baby ASAP.

It strengthens the neck and shoulders.

When your baby is in tummy time, he's constantly lifting his head up to look around. Since it's a struggle for babies to properly see when they're laying on their stomachs, this forces them to use the neck muscles to help them lift up their heads to see better. They're basically exercising their necks and it's super adorable to watch them do it.

But their neck isn't the only thing they're strengthening here, but their arms and shoulders, as well. Since they're on their tummies and can't see well, this also gets them to lift their bodies up to look around. In this case, the baby is using her wrists, upper arms, and shoulders to pick herself up off the floor.

See what I mean when I say the importance of tummy time? It's strengthening your baby! And giving him the opportunity to really use his neck and arms to lift himself up.

It prevents the baby from developing flat spots on the head.

Here's another reason on the importance of tummy time, this method will help your baby from developing any flat spots on their tiny heads. If you don't know what flat spots are, all babies are born with an underdeveloped skull, meaning their skulls aren't fully matured, which leads heir tiny heads to be super soft. Cautious parents make sure to properly "mold" their baby's skulls by alternating the sides to lay the baby on.

If the baby is constantly placed on one side, his head can end up with a flat spot — and we don't want that to happen to our baby.

In this case, tummy time can prevent any flat spots, because your baby won't be lying their head on the floor, but immediately picking it up! You won't have to worry about switching sides for your baby to lay on with this strategy.

Tummy time is a fun and new experience!

Tummy time is definitely a new experience that your baby can go through. After constantly laying down on her side or back, lying on her stomach welcomes a new experience and perspective for your baby!

Once you set your baby on his tummy, he almost always gets excited from the different position he's placed in. They can acknowledge a whole new viewpoint... not burying their faces on the floor, but lifting their heads and looking up!

It gives babies the need to roll over, sit up, crawl, etc.

While babies are in tummy time, they can't move much other than their necks and arms to lift themselves up. While struggling, this forces them to use their entire body to move themselves. The importance of tummy time gets them to attempt rolling over, to sit up, crawl a little, etc. Just to get themselves out of tummy time! They're in need for adjustment, but as a parent, don't help them too soon. Let them try to fix themselves a few times before they give up and start to cry. It's the attempt that always counts!

Preparing for tummy time.

Before you place your baby in tummy time, you want to clear the area by moving any objects off of the floor, or away from where your baby will be laying. Also, make sure your baby's diaper is changed and also took a long nap!

Then, lay out a soft blanket on the floor and place your baby on his tummy on the blanket. Allow your baby to be in tummy time for about three to five minutes, and do this about two to three times a day to really have her strengthen her muscles and get her to be active for a bit — the importance of tummy time!