Tummy time is an important activity for infants, as it helps them develop their muscles, particularly in the neck, arms, and shoulders. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger.
For a 3-week-old baby, I would recommend starting with short sessions of tummy time, around 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day. This allows your baby to get used to being on their tummy and begin to build up their strength. You can do tummy time after diaper changes or when your baby is awake and alert.
It’s important to remember that your baby may not initially enjoy being on their tummy, as it is a new and unfamiliar position for them. But with time and practice, they will become more comfortable. You can use various techniques to make tummy time more enjoyable, such as placing colorful toys or a mirror in front of them to encourage them to lift their head and engage with their surroundings.
As your baby grows and becomes more accustomed to tummy time, you can gradually increase the duration. By around 2-3 months, aim for around 10-15 minutes of tummy time, several times a day. This can be spread out throughout the day, so it doesn’t have to be done all at once.
Remember the saying “back to sleep, tummy to play.” While it is important to place your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), you can encourage them to spend more awake time on their tummy during playtime.
Tummy time is beneficial for your baby’s development, as it helps strengthen their muscles, promotes motor skills, and can even prevent flat spots from forming on the back of their head. However, it’s essential to always supervise your baby during tummy time to ensure their safety.
In my personal experience, my baby initially didn’t enjoy tummy time and would fuss after just a few minutes. However, by gradually increasing the duration and making it a fun and engaging experience, my baby grew to love tummy time. Now, at 3 months old, she happily spends 15-20 minutes on her tummy, reaching for toys and lifting her head with ease.
Every baby is different, so it’s important to observe your baby’s cues and adjust tummy time accordingly. If your baby becomes too fussy or tired during tummy time, it’s okay to take a break and try again later. The key is to make tummy time a positive and enjoyable experience for your little one.