Episode 93: When to Start Tummy Time
Mar 13, 2022•16 min•Season 4Ep. 93
Episode description
In today’s solo episode I am talking all about Tummy Time: what it is, why it is important, how to do it, when to do it and how to help babies to enjoy it
If you would like to save a guide to Tummy Time, you can download for free here!
In the episode I discuss:
- What is it: allowing baby to spend time on their tummy when they are awake and alert
- The history behind Tummy Time: NYTimes article that I referenced: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/13/parenting/baby/tummy-time
- It is important to help baby develop gross motor skills, overall development and to prevent against brachycephaly, plagiocephaly and torticollis
- In 2020, the AAP published a meta analysis that reviewed the effectiveness of tummy time and it found that tummy time was positively associated with gross motor, total development, a reduction in BMI, it helped prevent brachycephaly, and helped babies develop the ability to move while on their belly, while laying down, roll and crawl https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/6/e20192168/76940/Tummy-Time-and-Infant-Health-Outcomes-A-Systematic
- How to do it: When baby is awake and alert, place baby on a clean swaddle blanket that is laid out on the floor.
- A parent or caregiver should always be present and awake.
- You can also put baby on your chest while you are laying back
- How long to do it: The World Health Organization recommends 30 minutes per day, an easy way to remember this and get close to it is 5x5, five times per day for five minutes
- How to make it more enjoyable for baby: Join baby on the floor by laying on your side or belly and talk or sing to them
- Put black and white images in front of baby or a baby mirror
- Add toys in front of baby
If you enjoyed this episode and would like to download a free, printable guide to Tummy Time to save for later, you can download it here
Thank you for listening!
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