Have You Started Tummy Time Yet?

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Tummy Time

Newborn Development Through Tummy Time

Did you recently bring a new baby home from the hospital? As a parent to a newborn, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure your little one reaches their milestones and grows up to be a healthy and happy child. Read to learn how to help with newborn development through tummy time.

Tummy Time is essential to support your baby’s development, and you can begin regular Tummy Time as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital.

Tummy Time helps your little one develop core, neck, and shoulder muscle strength. It also serves as a great opportunity for you to talk to your baby and help support those budding language skills.

How to Start Tummy Time

There are many easy positions you can do with your baby so that they are practicing the proper amount of Tummy Time. A great way to start is with the tummy-to-tummy position where you lay your baby against your chest as you are lying down. Babies love to be close to mom and dad and this position can help keep them calm while giving them the Tummy Time they need to grow stronger.

Watch for 4 positions great for getting started with Tummy Time:

Start Tummy Time With This Tips

Tummy Time can be uncomfortable at first, so do not get discouraged if your baby doesn’t enjoy it right away. Use these tips when getting started:

  • Be sure to do Tummy Time while your baby is awake and well-fed.

  • Try to fit Tummy Time into their regular schedule such as after diapering or after bath time.

  • Start with small sessions of one to five minutes at a time and work up to an hour each day.

Before you know it, your baby will be a Tummy Time pro!

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Use the FREE Pathways.org Baby Milestones app to track your little one's progress! Download the app and enter Baby's birthdate to see all the milestones and track their progress. You can watch videos of each milestone to be sure Baby has met it!