All the baby experts agree that tummy time for your baby is one of the best gifts you can give!
Ah, tummy time! It’s baby’s first workout session that no one signed up for but everyone needs. If you’re a new mum or mum-to-be, you’ve probably heard the term tossed around at your antenatal class or by that friend who somehow always has the latest parenting hack. But why is tummy time such a big deal and how can you make it easier (and more fun) for your little one? Let’s dive in.
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like—placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised (a great opportunity to fold that washing!). This simple activity helps your bub develop the strength and skills needed for all those exciting milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and eventually crawling.
Why Tummy Time Matters
-
Builds Strength Like a Baby Gym Session
From day one, tummy time works wonders for your baby’s neck, shoulders, and core muscles. Think of it as their very first Pilates class, minus the spandex. -
Prevents Flat Head Syndrome
Babies spend a lot of time on their backs (thanks, safe sleep guidelines!), which can sometimes lead to flat spots on their heads. Tummy time helps relieve this pressure, keeping that adorable little noggin perfectly round. -
Prepares for Crawling (and Eventually Walking!)
Every push-up, mini head-lift, and tiny toe wiggle during tummy time is laying the foundation for those first wobbly steps. -
Enhances Sensory and Motor Development
Babies experience the world differently when they’re on their tummies. They engage with their surroundings, develop better hand-eye coordination, and build body awareness—all crucial for movement and play. -
Helps relieve stomach pains!
Tummy time can help ease tummy troubles by putting gentle pressure on your baby’s belly, helping to move gas along. Less gas = a happier baby (and happier parents!).
How to Make Tummy Time Fun (instead of a Baby Protest!)
Some babies love tummy time, while others act like you’ve just committed the ultimate betrayal. If your little one falls into the second camp, here are a few tricks to make it more enjoyable:
-
Use a Tummy Time Mirror: Babies love faces—especially their own! A tummy time mirror, like the Munchkin and Bear Tummy Time Mirror, gives them something fascinating to look at while they strengthen those muscles. Tummy Time Mirrors – Munchkin & Bear
-
Get Down on Their Level: Lie down facing your baby and chat, sing, or make silly faces. You’ll be their favorite entertainment.
-
Try a Rolled-Up Towel on a Comfy Mat: A little extra support under their chest can make tummy time more comfortable. The Munchkin and Bear memory foam baby mat provides the ultimate squishy, safe and waterproof floor surface to help bub meet their first milestones, Baby Play Mats – Munchkin & Bear
-
Keep it Short and Sweet: Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually build up as they get stronger.
How Much Tummy Time is Enough?
Aim for at least 15-30 minutes spread throughout the day by the time your baby is a few months old. Newborns can start with just a few minutes per session, a couple of times a day, and increase as they grow.
The Must-Have Tummy Time Essential
If there’s one product we swear by, it’s the Munchkin and Bear Tummy Time Mirror. Tummy Time Mirrors – Munchkin & Bear It’s designed to capture your baby’s attention while keeping them engaged and happy on their tummy. Plus, it looks super cute in the nursery—because baby gear should be as stylish as it is functional, right?
Tummy Time RULES, OK!
Tummy time is a crucial part of your baby’s first-year development, helping with strength, movement, and sensory skills. With a few simple tricks (and the right tummy time mirror!), you can turn those tummy sessions into fun and rewarding moments for both you and your little one.
So, mamas, embrace the belly-down workouts, celebrate the mini victories, and remember—before you know it, you’ll be chasing after that little explorer as they crawl, cruise, and walk their way into toddlerhood!
All the baby experts agree that tummy time for your baby is one of the best gifts you can give!
Researchers have even found ties between gross motor development and cognitive skill acquisition - which suggest that tummy time may also make kids smarter!
For more help, tips and tricks here are some references to some great extra resources that we have found along the way…
*”The Montessori Baby” by Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike, 2021
*”Your Baby doesn't come with a Book” by Dr Daniel (Dr Golly) Golshevsky,2023
*”Baby’s First Year Milestones” by Aubrey Hargis, 2018
*”Your Baby’s First Year” by American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020
