Babies are adorable, but let's face it - their motor skills leave something to be desired. No matter how cute they may look when trying to master tummy time, the truth is that it can be a difficult task for them. In this article, we'll give you some tips on perfecting tummy time and making sure your little one doesn't miss any important developmental milestones.
Why Is Tummy Time Important?
Tummy time is essential for developing neck strength and upper body muscles in infants. It helps your baby prepare for crawling and sitting up by improving coordination between arms and legs while building core strength at the same time. However not all kids love being placed in the prone position / (/face down/) with their head facing forward.
Here are some great reasons why parents should focus on incorporating tummy-time into regular routines:
- Helps prevent flat spots on babies' heads
- Improves gross motor abilities
- Supports visual development i.e visual scanning and attention.
- Encourages interaction between infant caregivers
As much as we know these benefits exist, putting it into practice isn’t that easy because most of our little cherubs would rather nap after a feed than spend their quality free-time doing hard workout sessions required during tummy-time hours.
Fortunately there are ways to make this experience more enjoyable...here come invaluable tips!
1. Start Slow
There’s no rush! Just like everything else in life our little ones need room to learn adaptively.. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day! Try out putting baby on his/her belly (tum) just before giving them their favourite toys or playthings – this way they will naturally start looking around and reaching out towards items/objects that catch their interest.This will keep your little nugget entertained whilst achieving an objective.
2. Let Them Play With Different Textures
Introducing a variety of sensory toys and textures can also be a useful tool helping infants build strength during tummy-time sessions. Experiment with different materials like fluffy blankets or prickly brushes as they push up on their little arms (Remember to always monitor them while playing).
3. Multitasking Play time
Make the most of two opportunities at once – Enjoy tummy time whilst talking face-to-face with your infant /. Tell them stories, sing songs; that way you are bonding as well as stimulating their imagination and practicing new skillset all in one.
4. Use A Mirror As Motivation
Human nature is curious by design! Use this quirk in infants to encourage consistency when it comes to tummy-time exercises. Put a mirror directly ahead of your baby so they engage with themselves through what feels like playtime.
Through looking closely in the mirror, they’ll begin focusing on facial expressions and visual cues providing positive affirmation teaching self-recognition!
Not only will babies enjoy seeing their reflection for the first few times but will genuinely look forward to additional experiences chasing small details seen within reflective surfaces
Giving complementary feedback such as telling baby how quiet lovely his/her eyes look leads to straining hoping he/she can more carefully watch extra features or control body movements perfectly, which results in improved posture building neurones within little ones developing cerebellum - ultimately leading towards achieving developmental milestones quickly!
To help support positive interaction between yourself & your child use soft developmental toys that can aid swift progress without putting undue burden onto either party/
5. Consider Alternative Positions After Tummy Time Is Completed
Once finished exercise positions change things up every once awhile from side lying left or right , sitting upright /supine position (lying flat), use props (bouncy chairs) bouncing balls/, anything imaginative keeps baby entertained enough without too much excitement inducing stresses valuable during training sequences involving motor skills progression.
Remember Motivation trump's training!
Tummy time can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. It helps to build upper body strength, improves coordination and prepares your little one for crawling and sitting up. By using these tips, you can make tummy-time a fun activity that your baby looks forward to, helping them develop crucial skills while solidifying their bond with you!