Lying your baby on his stomach instead of his back for play time is known as ‘tummy time’. This time is crucial for babies, from birth, as it helps strengthen certain muscles (including neck and shoulders) and practice movements that are important for proper development.
Back to sleep, tummy to play!
You should always put your baby to sleep on his back, as recommended by professional healthcare organizations. Because of these sleep recommendations, it is important for babies to have time on their tummies when they are awake. Tummy time must always be supervised.
When your baby first comes home from hospital, tummy time can be just for a few seconds at a time, repeated a few times throughout the day.
Spending time on his tummy also has a positive effect on the way your baby’s head shape develops. If your baby spends too much time on his back, the back of his head can flatten. Longer amounts of time on his tummy will help lessen the pressure on the back of his soft skull.
Include tummy time in your routine as a way to help your baby’s development as well as introduce the idea of play. Make it fun!
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics. Back to sleep, tummy to play. 2011
https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx (Accessed December 29 2016)
Related articles
Safe Food Preparation Principles
Follow these stay-safe principles when you’re shopping or preparing food for your baby.
4 mins to read
How to Increase Baby Immunity with Child-Friendly Foods
Nothing is more painful than seeing your child fall prey to infectious diseases easily.
4 mins to read
Common Pregnancy Complaints
Your body is working hard to create that little life. Find out how to relieve common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, cramps, constipation and abdominal pain.
3 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
Ways to Feed a Baby – Take the Quiz Now
How you offer your baby food is at least as important as what goes into her mouth.
7 mins to read
Little injuries
Your baby’s small injuries: Small injuries may play a part in your baby’s daily life. The best solution is always to seek your doctor’s advice.
4 mins to read
How to help baby’s tummy problems
Baby tummy problems? If only they could tell you what’s wrong. Until we locate a baby whisperer, here are a few ways you can help an unsettled baby.
2 mins to read
Tips for settling your baby
Is your baby struggling to settle? Still getting up lots of times in the night? Being woken up before sunrise?
4 mins to read
Baby Screen Time – When to Switch off
Research shows that free play and engaging with you is essential for your baby’s speech, sleep, creativity, and brain growth.
1 min to read
Preventing Baby Food Allergy
In Singapore, babies with no family history of allergy can still have up to 15% chance of getting an allergy.
4 mins to read
How to read baby sign language
From the moment they’re born, your baby has a lot to say.
2 mins to read
Is Baby Food Safe? - Read on to Learn More
Did you know? In many countries, pre-packaged baby food has to meet strict safety standards.
2 mins to read
Bathing baby & toilet training
Unsure about bath time? Here is a step by step guide to baby hygiene to keep your baby clean while bonding.
3 mins to read
Dad In The Labour Ward
The birth is not only a trial for us, but also for the future father! It is a veritable marathon for those who are present in the labour ward to attend the births of their babies.
3 mins to read
Having a healthy breastfeeding diet is important for your baby
Did you know? It is important that you eat a healthy diet while breastfeeding and drink plenty of water and other fluids to help with milk production.
2 mins to read
Physical Activities for Babies – What you need to know
Did you know? Spending time playing with your baby at this age can lead to him being more active when he’s a toddler.
3 mins to read
Decorations And Activities
Not sure of what to do for your child's birthday? Here are some ideas for games and decorations. Why not get your toddler involved and help you make a few decorations?
2 mins to read
How to give baby massage
Baby massages are great for getting baby ready for bed and soothing tummy troubles. Find out what to do with this baby tummy massage breakdown.
2 mins to read
When can babies eat eggs, wheat or nuts
Did you know? Guidelines have changed for when to introduce your baby to eggs, wheat, fish, and foods containing peanuts.
3 mins to read
