Tummy Time

By: The Osteopathic Centre for Children

Babies need to stay active. Staying in one position (especially on their back) for long periods can be boring for them. But of course, baby has its own exercise routine to help development which manifest itself through kicking their legs or wriggling around playfully during a nappy change.

All these movements are adding to baby’s muscle development, which in turn supports and lead to other actions like rolling over, turning their heads, sitting up and eventually pulling themselves up and walking.

You can give baby a bit of encouragement for building its muscle strength through using ‘Tummy Time’. By simply laying your baby down in a safe and secure area on its tummy and giving it the chance to move its arms and legs. This will help develop babies gross motor skills, which will eventually help it to roll over. In time, your baby will learn to push up from its tummy and straighten its arms.

Back, shoulder and neck muscles can also be strengthening by Tummy Time, resulting in improved general mobility, as well as leading to greater head control and movement.

Ensure baby is never left unattended during Tummy Time and enjoy watching your baby’s development every step of the way.