Skip to content
Country/region
Search
Cart
The Importance of Tummy Time for Newborns

The Importance of Tummy Time for Newborns

Welcoming a new baby into your life is an exciting and joyous occasion. As parents, we naturally want to provide the best care and support for our little ones to ensure they thrive. One essential activity that can significantly contribute to your baby's development is tummy time. At Stina's Style, we understand the importance of this simple yet powerful practice, and we offer a range of products, including our specially designed tummy time pillows, to help you make the most of this crucial activity.

What is tummy time?

Tummy time refers to placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. This practice is recommended by paediatricians and child development experts as it plays a vital role in your baby's physical and cognitive development.

Benefits of Tummy Time

1. Strengthens Muscles

Tummy time is essential for building the muscles in your baby's neck, shoulders, arms, and back. When placed on their tummy, babies are encouraged to lift their heads and push up with their arms, which strengthens these crucial muscle groups. This muscle development is a precursor to more advanced motor skills, such as rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.

2. Promotes Motor Skills

Regular tummy time sessions help babies develop motor skills. As they learn to move their arms and legs while on their tummies, they build the coordination needed for crawling. Crawling is a significant milestone in a baby's development, as it improves coordination and prepares them for walking.

3. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome

Flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, can occur when babies spend too much time lying on their backs. Tummy time alleviates pressure on the back of the head, helping to prevent this condition and promote a well-rounded head shape.

4. Enhances Sensory Development

During tummy time, babies experience different textures and surfaces, which stimulate their senses. This exposure aids in the development of sensory processing skills, which are crucial for understanding and interacting with the world around them.

5. Encourages Cognitive Development

Tummy time also has cognitive benefits. As babies explore their environment from a new perspective, they develop visual and spatial awareness. They learn to track objects with their eyes and reach for toys, which supports hand-eye coordination and cognitive development.

Tips for Effective Tummy Time

  1. Start Early: Begin tummy time as soon as your baby is born. Initially, a few minutes at a time, several times a day, is sufficient. Gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable.
  2. Use a Tummy Time Pillow: Our tummy time pillows at Stina's Style provide gentle support under your baby's chest and arms, making tummy time more enjoyable and effective. The pillow props them up, allowing them to see their surroundings better and engage more with their environment.
  3. Make it Fun: Place interactive or sensory toys within reach or pop them under one of our play gym's to keep them safe and entertained. Sing songs, talk to them, or use a mirror to capture their attention and make tummy time a pleasant experience.
  4. Stay Close: Always supervise your baby during tummy time. Your presence will provide comfort and encouragement as they explore and strengthen their muscles.
  5. Be Patient: Some babies may initially resist tummy time, but persistence is key. Gradually increasing the duration and incorporating it into your daily routine will help your baby become more accustomed to it.

Tummy time is a simple yet powerful activity that offers numerous benefits for your baby's development. From strengthening muscles to enhancing sensory and cognitive skills, it lays the foundation for essential milestones. At Stina's Style, we are committed to supporting you and your baby with our range of products designed to make tummy time enjoyable and effective. Explore our collection of tummy time pillows and give your baby the best start in their developmental journey.

Shop our range of tummy time pillows here.