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Tummy time is the intentional practice of placing the baby on their tummy for brief periods while you are with them and they are awake. Tummy time is important for babies to develop strength and promote motor skills. It can also help to prevent flat spots on the head.
As an infant room teacher, you may have different babies with different sizes and needs in your care. Here are some tips on how to make tummy time safe and comfortable for all of them.
How to Start Tummy Time:
You can start tummy time as soon as the baby is home from the hospital. For new babies, try laying them on their tummy across the lap so that they are close to you. You can also try tummy time on your chest. Lie down on the ground and place the baby directly on your chest. Then, talk to the little one as they attempt to raise their head to look at you.
As the baby gets older and stronger, you can move them to the floor. Place a soft blanket on the floor and have the baby lie on their tummy. Make sure the blanket lies flat and is not too fluffy. No matter what position you try with the little one, only practice tummy time when you are with them and they are fully awake. A good time to try is after the baby has had a diaper change.
How to Support the Baby's Underarms:
Some babies may need extra support under their arms to help them lift their head and chest off the ground. This can be done by using a rolled-up towel, a small pillow, or a nursing pillow. However, not all babies need the same size or shape of support. Depending on the baby's size and preference, you may need to adjust the support to make it more comfortable for them.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right support for the baby:
The support should be firm enough to hold the baby's weight but not too hard that it hurts their skin or bones.
The support should be wide enough to fit under both of the baby's arms but not too wide that it pushes their arms out or restricts their movement.
The support should be high enough to lift the baby's head and chest off the ground but not too high that it strains their neck or back.
The support should be placed under the baby's chest, not under their chin or face. This will allow them to breathe freely and look around.
If the baby is very small or has low muscle tone, they may only need a rolled-up towel or a thin pillow under their arms. If the baby is larger or has more muscle strength, they may need a bigger or thicker pillow under their arms. Some babies may not need support and can lift their head and chest by themselves. You can experiment with different supports and see what works best for the baby.
How to Make Tummy Time Fun:
Tummy time can be fun and interactive for you and the baby. You can use toys, books, music, or mirrors to entertain and engage the baby. Here are some ideas on how to make tummy time fun:
Lay down next to the baby, make eye contact, smile, and talk to them. You can also sing songs, tell stories, or make funny noises.
Place a favorite toy in front of the baby and encourage them to look up and reach for it. You can also move the toy around to make them turn their head and follow it.
Read a book with bright colors, pictures, or textures to the baby. You can also point to the images and name them or ask the baby questions about them.
Play music the baby likes and sing along or clap the hands. You can also use musical toys or instruments and let the baby explore the sounds they make.
Use a mirror and show the baby their reflection. You can also make faces, wave, or kiss the mirror and see how the baby reacts.
Tummy time is a great way to help the baby grow and learn. By following these tips, you can make tummy time safe, comfortable, and fun for all the babies in the infant room. Happy tummy time! 😊
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