Tummy Time

THE IMPORTANCE OF TUMMY TIME
When your baby is holding their head up on their own, it’s time to introduce tummy time. Baby may not like it at first but it is important to keep trying. This helps increase strength in your baby’s neck and back so they can build the muscles to roll over, sit up and learn to crawl.
Here are some ways to help your baby become adjusted to the ten to twenty minutes a day they need to spend on their tummy. Place baby on a blanket on their tummy on the floor. Place favorite toys just out of your baby’s reach, encourage them to lift their head and reach for them. You can also get on the floor directly in front of baby and talk, read or sing to them. They will raise their head and eventually will balance themselves with their hands and arms to look at you. You are helping them build those all important muscles.
One word of caution must be said here, never place baby on their tummy to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) say studies show back sleeping reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Since 1992 80% of parents following the APP’s recommendation of back to sleep has reduced the rate of SIDS by 40%.
Make tummy time a fun time and you and your baby will benefit.