Why is Tummy Time so important

Dr Ami-Bree Said is a Chiropractor with a holistic approach to pregnancy and postnatal care and paediatric/family care. She’s kindly put together the blog below for The Sleepy Avocado on Tummy Time…

Did you know that a baby’s brain doubles in size within the first year of life, is 80% developed by 3 years and 90% developed by 5 years!

Rapid brain growth and development is a key reason to support your baby as they navigate their milestones, starting with tummy time. The right support can make a huge difference as your baby grows. The analogy ‘as the twig is bent, so grows the tree’ comes to mind.

So, what are the benefits of tummy time?

Benefits include:

- Strengthens neck and shoulder muscles

- Forms neck curve

- Helps head shape (preventing flat spots)

- Stimulates brain stem

- Sensory input to hands

- Precursor for many other milestones

Tummy time should begin from birth (chest to chest is a great way to start) and should be increased, time wise, daily. Little and often is the aim, always listening to baby’s cues.

Top tips:

- Every time you change a nappy, roll them on their front for 30 seconds. This is a great way to add in extra tummy time

- Instead of holding your baby in a seated position, pop them across your lap

- Get down to their eye level

- Pop a rolled towel under their chest or prop up on a pillow so that they are inclined

- Chest to chest cuddles

- Tiger in the tree

Dr Ami-Bree’s Instagram has tonnes of useful videos and clips, check her out today.