The prone period – when the baby is resting on his tummy, awake and playing – is essential for healthy growth and development. Babies learn to hold their head up and propel themselves (the basis for crawling) when on their stomach. Since it's now recommended that babies sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), it's even more important to train on their stomach at planned times.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Part 1: Knowing When to Start Stomach Training
Step 1. Begin immediately to train a healthy baby and not born prematurely to prone
If your baby is born after a sufficient period of time in the womb and has no health problems, you can start tummy tuck as soon as you return from the hospital or maternity home-but remember not to turn your baby over to sleep (this increases the risk of SIDS). Newborns won't be able to move much at first, so limit it to a few minutes and watch closely to make sure baby is comfortable.
Some newborns may not feel comfortable on their stomach before the umbilical cord comes off. In this case, you can delay the prone exercise for a few weeks
Step 2. Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about tucking your baby
If your baby is premature or has health problems, seek doctor's approval before training him on his stomach. And, as with all babies, don't put your baby to sleep.
Step 3. Choose the right time
If you take the tummy time schedule seriously, your baby's chances of liking this activity will be maximized. Choose a practice time when baby is awake, cheerful, and not hungry, and consider establishing a tummy-tuck exercise routine right after a diaper change.
- Avoid tummy tucks when your baby is hungry, but in general, you shouldn't schedule tummy tuck exercises either. This can cause vomiting.
- Never train on your stomach when you are going to put the baby to sleep. Exercise should be done during the day, to stimulate activity.
Part 2 of 4: Part 2: Teaching the prone position
Step 1. Start in a comfortable and familiar position
For newborns, you can start by laying yourself down, on your back, and placing the baby on top of you, tummy to tummy. Your baby will feel comfortable with your closeness and heartbeat. When your baby is older, you can start using a flat surface (a large bed or blanket on the floor). Simply put the baby on a flat surface; supervise to make sure your baby can support his head well. Make sure you are always close and supervise closely while the baby is practicing on his stomach.
Babies have to work harder when they're on their tummy, so they may be fussy the first time they're on their stomach. Take it easy and pick up your baby if he starts crying or is very unhappy
Step 2. Adjust baby's hand position
Make sure his arms are extended forward so he can support himself. Babies whose arms are restrained or twisted back will not only feel uncomfortable, but will also not be able to get the full benefits of the tummy.
Step 3. Change position
If your baby starts to fuss, you can sit and put him on your lap. Lift your leg higher than the other, and place the baby's head and shoulders on the higher leg. Then you can sing, talk, and rub the baby's back.
You can also try tucking the baby in your arms (you'll need to support the muscles until the baby can do this on their own). However, this position is not as beneficial as the prone exercise on a flat surface
Step 4. Support your baby
If your baby can't use his hands to lift himself up, you can roll up the blanket and place it under your baby's arms for support. Sometimes babies like this change of position.
You can also use a nursing pillow as support
Step 5. Increase the time slowly
For newborns, you can start with just a minute or two at a time, then gradually increase the time, up to about an hour per day when your baby is four or five months old.
Babies don't need to be on their stomach for an hour at a time; You can break the time down into shorter periods
Part 3 of 4: Making Stomach Exercises Fun for Babies
Step 1. Accompany your baby
Don't just put the baby on his back and then walk away. Instead, you can come on your stomach, facing the baby. Then talk to baby, sing, play facial expressions-whatever feels natural and keeps your baby entertained.
Step 2. Include toys
As your baby grows older, you will need to add colorful toys for tummy time. Try waving a toy in front of your baby's head and moving it around; this will encourage the baby to lift his head, move from side to side, and finally, reach for the toy.
Step 3. Don't push
If your baby cries or complains, you can end the tummy time sooner. The key is to give your baby a chance to get used to the prone position and work different muscles, not to force the baby to follow a rigid program. Make tummy time exercises fun and interesting for your baby.
Part 4 of 4: Paying Attention to Baby's Reach Points
Step 1. Pay attention to the baby's ability to lift his head
By the end of the first month, your baby may be able to lift his head briefly and move his legs slightly, such as crawling.
Step 2. See if the head turns
After two months, your baby may be able to hold his head for a longer time and turn it to each side.
Step 3. Pay attention to the baby's balance
After three months, your baby may be able to rest on his arms and pelvis, especially with the help of a blanket. After four months, you may notice that your baby is on his stomach with good balance, and after five months, you may see him reaching for toys.
Step 4. Observe the development of the baby's strength
Babies will get stronger in the first few months of life. By the end of the seventh month, your baby may be able to hold himself up with one hand while reaching for a toy with the other.
Step 5. Look for signs of mobility
Some babies start crawling at eight or nine months. You may also notice that your baby is starting to cling to something like he wants to stand up.
Tips
- Try not to worry too much about when your baby should reach his limits. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby seems to be falling behind schedule, but know that each baby develops at their own pace.
- Let your baby decide how long he wants to lie on his stomach. Do not force. Pick up the baby if it starts to cry or fuss.
Warning
- Always supervise the baby while he is on his stomach.
- Do not put the baby to sleep in the prone position, as this increases the risk of sudden death syndrome (SIDS).
