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Now that the importance of putting babies to sleep on their backs is common knowledge, newborns are spending more of their early days in that position. That's great news for SIDS prevention, but it means that parents need to make sure that their babies spend plenty of supervised time on their tummies to strengthen their necks and shoulders. This will eventually help them learn to roll, sit, and crawl. It also keeps infants from developing soft spots on their heads.
There are many ways you can introduce tummy time to your baby. Here are a few of the enjoyable ways to do so:- Make it Comfortable: With so much time spent on his back, your baby probably won't be comfortable on his belly in the beginning. You can make this new position easier for him by placing a blanket, towel, or pillow under his chest to lift him up and center his head. Or you can lie on your back and place him on your chest, encouraging him to pull his head up and look at you. It's another nice way to snuggle with your infant.
- Make it Fun: A rattle, baby mirror, or favorite snuggle toy can keep him entertained while he is on his tummy. Try getting on the floor with him and playing peek-a-boo.
- Make it Frequent: Hungry or tired babies probably won't enjoy time on their tummies nor will newborns that have just been fed. As tummy time becomes part of his routine, he will enjoy it for longer periods of time. Try tummy time after each diaper change or whenever you dress him.
- Make it Mobile: Babies can work their neck and shoulder muscles even when they are in mommy's or daddy's arms. Try carrying your baby belly down, resting on your arms against your chest (football hold). When he is older, stronger, and capable of supporting his own head, you can carry him facing forward, supporting him with one hand around his bottom and the other around his chest. He'll be able to see what's going on in the room!
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