Tummy Time - The Basics — Steady Steps PT

#TummyTime

Having a hard time with tummy time at home? Remember, you are not alone. As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, the phrase “tummy time” is drilled into all new parents, AND we all know that it is a good thing to do but why?

woman-in-white-and-pink-top-playing-with-baby-lying-on-bed-3875132.jpg — **THE BASICS**

- Strengthen their necks and backs for sitting, standing, and walking (yes those early days are SUPER important for your baby to walk!)
- Explore their world
- Build strong shoulder muscles for crawling
- Start to develop their balance skills
- AND…how they are eventually going to start to move with rolling, pivoting, crawling and walking!!

But, sometimes it’s just so hard to get the little ones to do tummy time. SO, how do we get babies to like their tummy? We have to trick them into doing tummy time and get them to like it!

Reclined tummy time.jpg — **MY TOP TIP:**

Start the **first week and try tummy time on your chest** several times during the day in a reclined position or just fully on your back. This position is so beautiful for bonding with your little one. Remember, start small and build on this.

Want to make it stick? It is essential that you make a loose routine of it just like sleeping, feeding, cuddling😊…just add tummy time to the list. It doesn’t have to be in that exact order, and 99% of the time it won’t. Just try and do it every day.

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