Tummy Time Activities to Try with Your Baby

Tummy time is an essential activity for your baby’s development. It helps build the muscles needed for important milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking. For many new parents, though, tummy time can be a bit of a challenge, especially if the baby isn't initially keen on it. As a fabric expert, I understand the importance of creating a comfortable and engaging environment for tummy time. Here are some creative tummy time activities to try with your baby, ensuring they not only enjoy the experience but also reap its developmental benefits.

Tummy Time on Your Chest

One of the most comforting and effective ways to introduce tummy time is by placing your baby on your chest. This position is particularly helpful for newborns who are still adjusting to tummy time. Here’s how to do it:

Get Comfortable: Lie down on a flat surface, such as a bed or a soft play mat, and make yourself comfortable.

Position Your Baby: Place your baby on their tummy on your chest, with their head near your heart. This allows them to hear your heartbeat, which is soothing and familiar.

Interact and Encourage: Talk to your baby, make eye contact, and smile. Your presence will provide comfort and encouragement as they work on lifting their head and strengthening their neck muscles.

Tummy Time on Your Thighs

Another gentle way to ease your baby into tummy time is by using your thighs. This method offers a slightly elevated position, making it easier for your baby to lift their head.

Sit Down: Sit on the floor with your legs extended.

Position Your Baby: Lay your baby across your thighs, with their tummy resting on your legs and their head above your knees.

Support and Engage: Gently support your baby's chest with your hands and talk to them. Sing a song or use a soft toy to grab their attention and encourage them to lift their head.

Tummy Time on an Exercise Ball

Using an exercise ball can add a fun and dynamic element to tummy time. It allows gentle movement that can help your baby engage their muscles in different ways.

Inflate the Ball: Ensure the exercise ball is properly inflated and stable.

Position Your Baby: Lay your baby tummy-down on the ball, holding them securely around the waist.

Gentle Rocking: Gently rock the ball back and forth or in circular motions. This movement encourages your baby to adjust their position and use their muscles to stay balanced.

Join Baby on the Floor

Getting down on the floor with your baby can make tummy time more interactive and enjoyable. Your presence and engagement can provide the motivation they need.

Set Up a Play Area: Use a soft linen play mat or blanket to create a comfortable tummy time area on the floor.

Lie Down: Lie down on your tummy facing your baby.

Interact and Play: Make eye contact, talk, sing songs, and mimic their actions. Your baby will feel more encouraged and connected seeing you at their level.

Sing a Song

Music can be a powerful motivator during tummy time. Singing a song can distract your baby from any discomfort and make the experience more enjoyable.

Choose a Song: Pick a soothing or upbeat song that your baby enjoys.

Sing Along: Sing the song while your baby is on their tummy. You can also use hand movements or toys to make the song more interactive.

Engage and Encourage: Clap your hands, make silly faces, and encourage your baby to look up at you.

Visual Stimulation

Providing visual stimulation can keep your baby engaged and interested during tummy time. Use colourful and stimulating objects to capture their attention.

Bright Toys: Place brightly coloured toys within your baby's field of vision.

Patterns and Textures: Use toys with different patterns and textures to stimulate their senses.

Movement: Slowly move the toys from side to side to encourage your baby to follow them with their eyes and head.

Tummy Time in Front of a Mirror

Babies love looking at their own reflections. Using a mirror during tummy time can make the activity more engaging and fun.

Set Up the Mirror: Place a baby-safe mirror on the floor in front of your baby.

Encourage Interaction: Encourage your baby to look at their reflection. They will be fascinated by their own movements and expressions.

Mirror Play: Use the mirror to play peek-a-boo or make funny faces together. This interaction promotes visual tracking and head control.

Tummy Time Play Peek-a-Boo

Playing peek-a-boo during tummy time can add an element of surprise and excitement. It’s a simple game that can keep your baby engaged.

Cover Your Face: Use your hands or a soft cloth to cover your face.

Peek-a-Boo: Quickly remove your hands or the cloth and say “Peek-a-boo!” with a big smile.

Repeat: Repeat the game, varying the timing and using different props to keep it interesting for your baby.

 

In Summary

Tummy time is a crucial activity for your baby's development, helping to build strength and prepare them for future milestones. By incorporating these creative and engaging tummy time activities, you can make the experience enjoyable for both you and your baby. From tummy time on your chest to playing peek-a-boo, these activities provide a variety of ways to keep your baby entertained and engaged while promoting their physical and cognitive development.

There are many benefits of tummy time for babies. Remember, every baby is different, and it may take some time for your baby to get used to tummy time. Be patient, keep the sessions short and frequent, and always provide comfort and encouragement. With these expert tips and techniques, you can turn tummy time into a fun and beneficial part of your baby's daily routine. Happy tummy time!