The Significance of Tummy Time in Infant Sleep
Tummy time is a key component of infant development. It encourages babies to use their arms and legs while lying on their stomach, strengthens their muscles and helps them learn to roll, crawl, and eventually sit. Tummy time is also important for healthy infant sleep. Infants who can spend some time on their stomach are more likely to have regular sleep patterns, eliminate crying, and prevent flat head syndrome.
If your baby struggles to stay in a tummy time position and falls asleep right away when put on their tummy, that’s a sign that they are not ready for tummy time yet. Begin with a few minutes a day and gradually work up to slowly increasing the amount of time your baby spends in the tummy time position. Although some children learn the skill quickly, other babies may need more time and more practice. An important factor in being successful with tummy time is patience and understanding that your baby is still learning the new skill and it may take some time.
When engaging in tummy time, it is essential to ensure that your baby’s safety is a top priority. Make sure the area where your baby is lying is secure and free from toys, pillows, and anything else that may suffocate your baby. Also, never leave your child unattended when they are on their stomach. It is recommended to start the tummy time early in the day and get your baby used to the position gradually.
Why You Should Incorporate Tummy Time into Infant Sleep?
Tummy time is important in helping babies learn the position and habits for healthy sleep. When babies sleep in the tummy time position or they’re on their backs, it is easier for them to fall asleep as their muscles are not tensed up and they feel more relaxed. Also, by encouraging the practice of tummy time, you reduce the newborn’s chances of developing positional plagiocephaly, or flat-head syndrome.
During tummy time, babies are also able to learn to soothe themselves more quickly as compared to when they are lying in a crib, in the same position for hours at a time. This provides an opportunity for babies to practice how to use their own strategies, such as rolling onto their backs, to help them cry less and relax faster.
What are the Benefits of Tummy Time?
Tummy time is beneficial for various reasons. It helps strengthen the baby’s neck, head, shoulders and back, as well as their arms and legs. This facilitates achieving major physical milestones such as rolling, crawling, and sitting. It also helps the baby develop essential skills such as coordination, strength, and balance. Moreover, tummy time is also a great way for babies to bond with their parents as it gives them the opportunity to explore the environment and share quality time together.
Additionally, tummy time also strengthens the baby’s grip, which can then be used during feeding time. Babies who practice tummy time often have better hand-eye coordination and develop better communication and social skills. Furthermore, it is necessary for healthy development as it helps the baby learn how to regulate their emotions. Practicing tummy time can also reduce stress and fussiness in a child, which helps the baby fall asleep easier.
Finally, tummy time can help soothe a baby’s stomach after eating, helping them to have a more comfortable night’s sleep. It encourages babies to move their arms and legs while stretched out on their stomach, making them less likely to wake throughout the night.
Tips for Practicing Tummy Time
- Start with a few minutes a day and increase slowly.
- Make sure the area where your baby is lying is secure and free from toys.
- Keep an eye on your baby at all times during tummy time.
- Engage your baby during tummy time to make it more fun.
- When introducing tummy time, always talk to your baby and provide lots of praise.
Conclusion
Tummy time is an essential part of newborns’ development as it helps them acquire new skills, such as siting up and rolling over, and reduces the risk of developing flat-head syndrome. Moreover, it helps them learn to self-soothe, have better sleep patterns and prevents them from crying. For these reasons, it is essential to incorporate tummy time into your infant sleep routine.