Why does baby need Tummy Time?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends baby always sleep on their back. That means spending time on their tummy while awake is crucial for development!

And remember: if baby falls asleep during Tummy Time, be sure to place them on their back and let them continue to sleep.

Tummy Time is crucial for healthy motor, sensory and visual development.

Motor benefits:

• Strengthens baby’s back, neck, shoulders, and core muscles.

• Build a foundation for baby to meet motor milestones including rolling, sitting, crawling, and more.

Sensory benefits:

• Feeling different textures (blankets, carpet, etc.) on their arms, hands, and cheeks can help baby’s sense of touch (tactile sense).

• As baby moves and their weight shifts, they gain a sense of body awareness (proprioception).

• Positioning baby differently helps develop their movement and balance (vestibular sense).

Visual benefits:

Helps develop hand-eye coordination. By looking down at their hands, baby is seeing how they move and what they can do.