Are you ready to take on the daunting task of raising a child? Well, buckle up because today we're talking about one of the most important things you can do for your baby's development: belly time. That's right - getting that little nugget onto their tummy is crucial for building strong muscles and preparing them for crawling, walking, and eventually turning into a tiny Arnold Schwarzenegger.
But when should you start putting your baby on their belly? How long should they stay there? What if they hate it?
Don't worry, folks. We've got answers.
The Sooner the Better
Contrary to popular belief, parents don't have to wait until their baby starts rolling over before introducing belly time. In fact, experts say that starting around two weeks old is ideal.
Why so young? Well, aside from promoting overall strength and coordination (we'll get more into those benefits later), early belly time can also help with digestion and prevent flat spots from forming on your little one's head. Plus, babies are usually more tolerant of new experiences at this age - as opposed to screaming bloody murder every time they're put down six months later.
So, if you haven't started yet or maybe didn't know sooner was better...what are you waiting for?
Start Slowly
Just like anything else in life (except eating pizza), it's important not to rush into things too quickly. That includes starting off with just a few minutes of belly time each day and gradually working your way up as your baby becomes more comfortable in this position.
It’s understandable - some days even I'm uncomfortable lounging horizontally while binge-watching Netflix but bear in mind that all babies are different! Don’t be discouraged by tears initially as soon enough crying will lessen once bub gets used to tummy-time!
Warming Up
Before you start placing your baby on their tummy, make sure they're nice and warm. Not only will this be more comfortable for them, but it'll also help facilitate relaxation and better muscle function.
If you’re brainstorming ways to keep your squirm-muffin warm during belly-time just think - cosy socks or a blanket work wonders!
Get Involved
One of the easiest ways to get your baby used to belly time is by doing it with them. This perfect bonding opportunity not only provides comfort, reassurance and love for bubba but allows parents to understand emotions associated with facing-down.
Get down onto the floor or bed (preferably without face-planting) beside them and smile as much as possible when singing some silly nursery rhymes that always seem more appealing when talking up close-and-personal with a smiling adult! It’s totally OK if you don't have every word memorized; believe us when we say babies don’t judge…or necessarily comprehend for that matter.
It's helpful if mum or dad can take turns holding out toys directly in front of baby too so they have something worth keeping their focus on interesting enough not to try roll over!
| Example Toys | |
|---|---|
| Texture | Furry teddy bears make everything better |
| Sound | Rattles/ musical toys (for those who appreciate good melodies) |
| Colorful | Don’t underestimate these floating plastic keys |
| . |
Mix Things Up
Let's face it, lying motionless staring at the ceiling while everyone else admires how cute one is...really isn't what anyone would call stimulating behavior! Spice things up by trying different types of exercises during each belly time session.
There are many variations from mini “tummy-push-ups” stretching themselves upwards like cartoon characters reaching for barbells hanging above their heads halfway across the room. Or lay an imaginary book or toy (Literally a straight line down your baby’s central torso) out in front of them for some incentive to lift their head up to take a peek!
Staring and reaching are so passé anyway. Adapt! Overcome!
Planking Anyone?
As with all exercise programs, you want to make sure that there's proper form - even if it's for someone pre-able to walk let alone hit the gym.
While it'll be tempting at times, resist the urge to prop your baby up on their elbows initially as they’ll probably lack enough muscle control not faceplant into legless lizards on undokai day. Instead trust us- plain & simple is actually better whilst this new skill is newly developing.
This will sound a bit odd but If you were watching an Olympic curler right now what would you say? They’d “engage their core” obv-i-osly… well babies can do that too and being flat practising poses like planking-like position where bub has arms bent under chest allowing them leverage necessary upper body strength without leaving floor like something off Mission Impossible
Speaking of Strength
So why exactly is belly time so important? Simply put, it helps build strength in the neck, shoulders, arms, back and abs while helping avoid physique impediments such as torticollis .
Toddlers often toddle around displaying hilarious bowed legs but any issues found early can help save frustrations later because believe me – when uncle Mike says hunting-safari ‘legolas’ pictures have more charm than focus points its much easier working through those little nuances expeditiously .
Mix Play into Practice
Exercising doesn't always mean hard work; including plenty games turns these exercises making it seem less monotonous activity full of happy-happy festive playtime activities:
| Themed Belly Time Toys | |
|---|---|
| Food | Play food items cooked just for bub like a good ol’ PB&J |
| Beach | A soft beach scene with a stuffed starfish and shells |
| Jungle | How could anyone forget about the king of the jungle, A cuddly Simba toy. |
| . |
Or why not mix up activities by trying out some "air-plane" poses where you lie on your back while lifting baby high up in the air! It's no wonder that these movements are called “Superman” when feeling so strong!
Be Consistent
One day at the gym doesn't transform Flab to Fab overnight & neither does hosting longest/nastiest cry-sesh routine because fluffy woolen socks isn’t how envisaged Friday night anymore… consistency is key.
Try to aim for three sessions every day (shorter initially) increasing the duration each week ensuring enough time passed before one exercise-to-ease-transition into next.
After all if Arnold didn't stay consistent during his early years we would've never gotten great one-liners such as "I'll be back".
Keep an Eye Out
Belly time should always be supervised - whether you're doing it or letting your little one practice their ruggedness solo mode but take care whilst shuffling about bubbles compared to grizzly toughie would make any parent nervous watching from distance albeit clearly want them roughing it out.
It’s common sense really – small infants lack neck strength so limited monitoring keeps our peace of mind intact
Conclusion?
In short- what were saying here is belly-time offers lifetime benefits even if initially daunting; So just try spit-ballin/planning accordingly, stick to routines/activities building core muscles leading invaluable life-long success getting everyone inevitably inspired (and tired).