Tummy Time

Tummy time is an important time for babies as it allows them to discover what different parts of their body can do.

This means that tummy time will help babies to understand and learn to:

1. Put their hands down to steady themselves when they lose balance
2. Propel themselves with their toes across the floor
3. Be strong enough to roll and draw their knees up to their chest
4. Push back with their hands
5. Crawl

It also helps babies to strengthen their neck, back and arm muscles which will then help to teach them how to sit up and crawl.

1. Get your baby on their tummy as soon as you can
2. When they're little, a rolled-up blanket or towel under their chest will help raise their heads off the floor. This will add support and encourages your baby to lift their head
3. Try little and often – especially when your baby is young. If they are upset then reassure them with cuddles, but don't be afraid to try again
4. Young children have a limited range of sight, so add different textures and larger things to look at, such as something that lights up which will catch their interest
5. Make sure the floor is fun. If everything is happening above them they will not want to stay on the floor
   • A good way to tell if the floor is engaging is to lay on the floor yourself and get a baby's eye view. If you have just given birth and you have someone that is with you - make sure you let them do it for you
6. Socks off! It helps the baby feel the floor beneath them by using their toes so always remember to add interesting textures for curious feet too
7. Babies love interacting with others and tummy time is a great time to model play by getting down on the floor with them. A lot of babies struggle with tummy time if they are the only ones on the floor
   • By playing with your baby and the materials you have put out for them, you're encouraging exploration as you are modelling play and demonstrating how to interact with the items
8. Tummy time does not need any expensive equipment, look around and see what different textures you already have, such as a woolly scarf, a fluffy blanket and towels, a crinkly emergency blanket or outside on the grass
9. Add a bit of movement, a water mat or partially inflated rubber ring can be very fun to wobble on and supports core strength
10. If your baby has a preference for a type of toy then embrace this and use it during tummy time. For example, if your little one loves anything that crinkles, you could use an emergency blanket, or any crinkly books and toys
11. The more tummy time your baby does, the more confident they will get when playing independently
12. Anyone can help with tummy time so get the whole family involved!
13. It is never too late to introduce tummy time. With older children you can set out a simple obstacle course by tying string around the table legs and challenge them to crawl underneath, tape paper to the floor to draw on or make a tunnel out of sofa cushions
    • Tummy time for older children will also help to strengthen their core, help them to balance and sit comfortably for a story or through a meal
14. Be mindful of the time of day and avoid tummy time after feeds or if your baby is due a nap
    • If they're upset a lot on their tummy and it makes them sick long after a feed, chat to your health visitor as it could be reflux etc.
15. Avoid using seats and chairs, such as a bouncer or sit in walker, for long periods of time
16. KEEP IT FUN!