This is the time our little ones spend on their tummies – or “tummy time”. This is not just a cute activity, but it's essential for the child's physical development.

Tummy time helps to strengthen the neck, back and torso muscles, preparing it for important stages such as crawling and later on, taking the first steps.

Tummy Time is Important Because...

When a baby is on their tummy, gravity becomes the best personal trainer. The child must lift its head to look around, which also requires and develops the neck and shoulder muscles. Additionally, the tummy position helps strengthen the back.

In addition, tummy time contributes to the development of coordination and balance. As the baby learns to support themselves on their arms and tilt their head in different directions, they gradually build their ability to maintain a correct posture.

How does posture and coordination affect it?

Every minute of tummy time contributes to the formation of a solid base for future movements. This activity supports the development of gross motor skills, such as sitting or extending to grab toys. While lifting his head and moving his arms, the baby exercises natural balance and coordination reflexes. These are essential for activities such as walking or running later on.

How much tummy time is enough?

It is recommended to start tummy time from the early days of life, when the baby is awake and supervised. At first, a few minutes a day are enough, gradually increasing the duration as the child becomes more comfortable with this activity. A good goal is approximately 20-30 minutes a day, spread over several short sessions.

How do you make tummy time more fun?

Here are some ideas to turn tummy time into a joyful moment:

  • Use a soft, brightly colored play tunnel that will catch the child's attention.
  • Place interactive toys in front of the baby to encourage him to look at them or touch them.
  • Stand in front of him and talk to him or sing to him to motivate him to follow your movements.

 

So, although tummy time may seem like a simple activity, its benefits are immense, being the first step towards an active and healthy life. Turn this activity into a daily ritual, full of precious moments and beautiful discoveries!

 

We hope our blog is useful, but it's essential to note that articles are only starting points for discussions and contain general information only. They do not replace specialized recommendations, and we always encourage parents to contact a specialist if they are concerned.

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