Crash Course in Tummy Time

It’s not until you become a parent that tummy time means something other than getting your ab work done at the gym. But once you have a baby, it’s critical to start placing your little one on his or her tummy several times a day for valuable tummy time. Since the safest way for babies to sleep is on their backs, making time for tummy time is the only way they’re going to start building their upper body strength.

Top Reasons Why Babies Need Tummy Time

• Safety: Tummy time can help prevent SIDS. Your baby needs tummy time to strengthen the muscles on their upper back and neck, which can help them move their faces away from something that might smother them. Stronger muscles help allow your baby to sit, crawl, and roll over much easier.

• Prevents flat head syndrome: The more time a baby can spend on their tummies, the less likely it is they will develop plagiocephaly (aka flat head syndrome). Baby’s skulls are soft when they are born, and if they spend too much time on their backs, they can develop flat areas.

• New vantage point: Allowing your baby to get some tummy time in will also give them a new view on the world. Imagine how dull it can get looking at the same spot on the ceiling all day long!

When to Start Tummy Time
Not sure of when to start incorporating tummy time into your baby’s daily routine? Experts say parents can begin placing baby on their bellies for supervised tummy time as early as right after birth and starting no later than one month old. Even newborns are able to lift their heads and turn them to one side! Tummy time should happen after baby has been fed and burped. Aim for three or four tummy time sessions a day at about 15 minutes each. For first-time tummy timers, expect some cries and noisy protests. This is hard work for a little person! But just like any good exercise routine, the payoff comes with consistency.

How to Get Started with Tummy Time
So many moms and dads love the DockATot Deluxe for tummy time. One of the reasons we created the rounded bumper is to comfortably give babies a chance to enjoy their tummy time. By placing baby’s arms and upper body over the bumper, they’ll appreciate the comfortable elevation. Once baby is positioned on their tummies, try these activities for making tummy time fun time:

• Place a baby-safe play mirror or busy book nearby so they can try to reach for it.
• Stand up and sing songs or talk to baby. The idea is for them to try to lift their head to see you.
• Lay an infant activity mat under the dock.

Always remember, if your baby falls asleep during tummy time, roll him over immediately so he can snooze safely on his back.

DockATot founder and mom-of-two Lisa Furuland created the DockATot baby lounger when her first child was born. She was unable to find the perfect multitasking lounging product to fit his needs and wanted something more snug and versatile that mimicked the womb. Lisa believes that every baby needs and deserves to be surrounded by a snug, comfortable environment every day of their lives. See more at http://dockatot.com/collections/all.