The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend 30 minutes of tummy time a day for an infant. These 30 minutes sessions can be split up in increments of 5, 10, or 15 minutes, whatever is comfortable for the infant. For a newborn, tummy time can start with short time periods and work up. The 30 minutes do not have to be done all at once.
Tummy time is important because it:
- Helps with baby's motor development and prevents flat head syndrome
- Makes the head and neck muscles stronger so the baby can learn to sit up, crawl and walk
- Helps the baby exercise their neck, back, shoulders, arms and hips.
Some ways to make tummy time more enjoyable are:
- Sessions should be on the floor in a clear area on a blanket. Advise the parents or caregivers to keep babies away from space heaters, hot surfaces, falling hazards and choking, strangling, and smothering hazards during this time.
- Sessions work better after a diaper change or after baby wakes from a nap. Advise parents or caregivers to try to do tummy time while the baby is content and not cranky.
- Toys can be placed in front of the baby to encourage them to interact with their surroundings. This might be a good time to share some of those toys that were the parents or the grandparents, things they may have been wanting to put in the crib with the baby but because of the SafeSleep rules have not been able to share with their baby.
- Sitting in front of the baby will help encourage interaction and bonding. It will also make it more fun for the baby if the parent or caregiver is down on the floor with them, singing, talking, making silly faces, or just reading a book with the baby. It is a good time for bonding with the baby.
