We constantly hear how a good workout is vital to our health. The list of benefits is long and impressive: increased energy, heart health, muscle gain, and weight loss. It turns out that babies need to work out too. A good tummy time workout helps build muscle, develop gross motor skills and increase eye coordination to name just a few of the many benefits. But unlike us who only have ourselves to blame for not working out, babies rely on their parents to help them get the exercise that they need.
“Babies are in the car seat all day long or in a swing or bouncer when they are awake,” says Alicia Quintana, a Pediatric Occupational Therapist at Tender Touch Occupational Therapy Services in Arizona. “They are on their backs instead of being allowed to play on the floor and move around and experience tummy time.”
Part of the problem is that parents are busy. According to the Pew Research Center, in 70% of families, both mom and dad work either full-time or part-time. Add to that the daily load of housework, errands, activities and other siblings; parents can lose sight of their littlest one’s development.
Tummy Time Lasts a Lifetime
According to the Pathways Awareness Foundation, each year more than 400,000 children in the U.S. are at risk for an early motor delay and actual incidences are one in 40, a 150% increase from 25 years ago. Experts like Quintana say a daily tummy time can lower this risk. “Tummy time teaches babies head control, pushing up on their arms, rolling and crawling. Those are all important skills that are going to work into sitting, standing and then walking.”
If babies don’t get a regular tummy time workout, they may have problems later in life. Quintana has seen that firsthand. “So when I get a lot of referrals for school age children, I ask the parents, did they do a lot of tummy time and often the answer is no. They didn’t develop the muscles and the arches in the hands sufficiently. So they can’t sit at a desk all day long and hold a pencil and write.”
Tummy Time Starter Tips
So when do you start tummy time? The American Academy of Pediatrics says Tummy time can begin with babies as young as newborns and can take place throughout the day. “Babies will have periods of time between naps and feedings when they are in a quiet alert or active alert state. This is the best time for tummy time,” says Quintana.
Here are some other helpful ideas from Quintana to help create a successful tummy time:
- Put colorful toys or a baby mirror on the ground to encourage head and arm movement as baby reaches for toys.
- Encourage siblings to lay on the floor and interact with the baby.
- Look for signs baby is tired or needs a break. For instance, more jerky movements, mild fussing or looking away from you.
- If baby does not enjoy tummy time, try lying baby on mom or dad’s tummy. This counts as tummy time too and is a great bonding opportunity.
- Finally, keep it positive. It’s okay to do short bursts of tummy time throughout the day. A few minutes will add up over time.
Creating a Top-Notch Tummy Time Environment
*Affiliate links include below. Thanks for your support!
Every baby is different, and not every baby will have an enjoyable tummy time right away, but creating that perfect environment can go a long way.
That environment can be as simple as laying a blanket on the floor and placing a tab and texture book in front of your baby. These books encourage exploration and will keep babies captivated while on their tummies which lengthen their workouts without adding stress. You can buy these books on Etsy, or you can DIY and make your own. Just gather different materials from around the house to create a little book or even a texture box.
But if you don’t have that kind of time on your hands, there are many other options for busy moms and dads. Here are the Top Baby Products that will give your baby a productive tummy time:
Little Frog Water Play Mat
Named the Best Baby Toy of 2015 by American Baby Magazine, this friendly frog from HABA will keep little ones entertained for a long time. When parents fill the frog’s belly with distilled water, children can touch it and make the fun shapes move around. If tummy time gets messy like it sometimes does, the quality-stitched polyester fabric is removable and machine washable, making clean up a breeze. Age Range: 6+ months, MSRP: $25.00
Gymotion Activity Musical Playland
This award-winning activity gym is the brainchild of Yookidoo
Lights ‘N’ Music Fun Ball
This battery-operated ball
Lamaze® Gardenbug 4-Piece Foot Finder Wrist Rattle Set
Foot and ankle rattles
Munch Mitt
Tummy time for babies can get messy, especially if they are teething. Enter the Munch Mitt! The undroppable, unstoppable teething mitt. Made of food-grade silicone and a washable, breathable fabric, this handy mitt will keep baby entertained while on their tummy. The mitt is full of sensory features including a black and white pattern and bright colors as well as a crinkle noise when baby bites down. It comes with a travel/wash bag. Age Range: Recommended for ages 3-8 months (Can be used up to 12 months), MSRP: $18.99
Edushape Mini Orchestra
These colorful mini instruments created by Halilit
Yookidoo Gymotion Activity Musical Playland Giveaway
Enter below for a chance to win a Yookidoo Gymotion Activity Musical Playland for your baby! Giveaway is open to US residents age 18+ and ends on June 27th.
Yookidoo Gymotion Activity Musical Playland
About the Author
Brilliant Baby Products was founded by Kathleen Tomes, a successful entrepreneur, and mother of adorable toddler twins, Brilliant Baby Products embodies Kathleen’s personal quest for parenting-made-easier. As a mom, Kathleen has found that certain mommy-must-have products not only granted her the gift of time but also increased her enjoyment of her earliest, most tender moments with her children. As an entrepreneur who made her first million by the time she was 28 years old, Kathleen has applied her sales and media savvy to Brilliant Baby Products– full service sales, packaging, and media resource for baby product inventors and makers.
Tummy time mat for sure. so many babies hate tummy time, so the playful mats, help
My little ones favorite toy was an activity cube. He still loves it.
what a gorgeous lil post. Tummy time, I never heard of it called that and Its something I did with my little ones lots. Putting them on my tummy and we bonded lots! Cute lil mats and accessories too
Mata for sure as well as shape sorters and number and letter blocks!
I think the Little Frog Water Play Mat and a moving ball that makes sounds encourages children to meet tummy time milestones.
I haven’t kids yet, so I’ll tell my friend about Gymotion Activity musical Playground , she had a baby! I am sure it will be helpful, especially Munch Mitt!
Interesting! I LOVE that frog play pad – so cute!
Those toys are really cute! I’ll probably pick up that mini orchestra and that Munch Mitt if I ever need to have a cute little one spend some time with himself/herself.
My son used a play gym before, it makes him occupied and he loves reaching those hanging objects.
Reading to my children
That’s so true. Parents these days rely more on the gadgets they bought instead of allowing the babies to play. I think this is a nice reminder for us all. The toys are wonderful as well, it’s definitely going to open up a new world for the babies!
I think tummy time and talking/reading to your child are the best things we can do for our babies beyond food and shelter. We need to strengthen their bodies and mind right from the start.
sometimes we do not realize but playtime with the kids it is so important for their development and education.
Her mobile has been wonderful so far to help her meet her milestone!
Gymotion Activity musical Playground is fabulous
the Activity Centre/Play Mat is the one