Blog
Many new parents have asked us, “What do I do with a newborn all day?” Our answer: Take that nap and when you wake up, spend time holding, snuggling, and getting to know your baby in those early days, and from day one, get baby on his/her belly regularly! All future movements your baby will learn start in tummy time.
Rolling is one of baby’s first forms of mobility. It allows baby to start the process of seeing something and actually going to get and explore it. Rolling is a complicated movement that requires the two sides of the body to do opposite movements. This is important for the brain- body connection (i.e., how the body learns to respond appropriately when the brain says “reach”), to build neuronal maps (i.e., how baby will learn to move in 3D space), to strengthen bilateral coordination skills (i.e., to use both sides of the body), and is preparing baby to develop more complex movements.
The tummy time position is important because it helps baby to strengthen the neck, back, and shoulder muscles. This strength allows baby to pick up his/her head and look around at the world. It strengthens the back muscles (those that run down the sides of the spine) so that the trunk (body) can eventually support the head and neck when moved into an upright or sitting position. Tummy time is important for all babies starting at birth to six months and beyond.
