Tummy Time Triumphs: Turning Fussy Faces into Happy Smiles in Bismarck
Remember that adorable little bundle you brought home from the hospital? So tiny, so sweet, so... squirmy during tummy time? If you’ve ever felt like you're wrestling an alligator instead of helping your baby with this important milestone, you’re definitely not alone! Many parents find tummy time to be a bit of a struggle, filled with frustrated cries and worried looks.
But here’s the thing: tummy time is like a superhero training camp for your baby’s development. It might be tough at first, but it’s worth it! We're here to help you understand why it's so important and give you some tricks to make it more fun for everyone involved.
What if my baby doesn’t tolerate tummy time?
Tummy time is like a gym workout, brain booster, and sensory playground all rolled into one! It helps your baby:
Build Strong Muscles: Think of it as baby's first weightlifting session! Tummy time strengthens those little neck, back, and shoulder muscles, getting them ready for rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually conquering the world (or at least your living room). It also helps develop the healthy curves of their spine.
Boost Brainpower: All that wiggling and reaching helps build new neurological connections in your baby's brain, making it stronger and smarter. It's like cross-training for their brain!
Avoid Flat Spots: Spending too much time on their back can lead to a flat spot on the back of their head. Tummy time helps keep their head nice and round.
Explore the World: When they're on their tummy, they get a whole new perspective. They can see, touch, and experience the world in a different way, which is super important for learning and growing.
Happy Tummies: Tummy time can help with digestion and reduce gas, leading to a happier, less fussy baby.
Help Reach Milestones: The right amount of tummy time will help your baby hit their milestones on time. The extra strength will help them sit up and crawl easier. Crawling is a very important stage in your childs development. Without enough tummy time, they might not crawl properly which has negative effects on your baby.
What is the best thing to do for tummy time?
Okay, so tummy time is important. But how do you actually get your baby to enjoy it? Here are some tips to turn those frowns upside down:
Start Early & Keep it Short: Begin with just a few minutes a day when they're newborns and gradually increase the time as they get stronger. Try when they are first awake and have more energy. If they are about to nap, they will get tired and fussy easier.
Mix it Up: Try different positions - on your chest, on a blanket on the floor, or even supported on a nursing pillow. As a dad, I really enjoyed skin-to-skin tummy time with each of my 4 kids when they were babies. Mom’s get all the skin-to-skin time, it’s important for dads too! For my hairy dads, make sure you aren’t irritating their skin! :)
Get Silly: Make funny faces, sing songs, or use toys to keep them entertained.
Join the Party: Get down on the floor with your baby! Talk to them, make eye contact, and show them how much fun tummy time can be.
Be Patient: It’s ok if they are struggling in the beginning. Try to work towards longer sessions every day!
Troubleshooting Tummy Time Troubles
Still having a hard time? Here are some solutions for common tummy time challenges:
Fussy Baby: Try tummy time after a nap or feeding when they're happy and content.
Neck Tension: Roll up a small towel and place it under their chest for support.
Bored Baby: Use a mirror or toys to keep them engaged.
Other Concerns: If your baby seems uncomfortable or has trouble lifting their head, it's a good idea to get them checked by a pediatric chiropractor. Sometimes, gentle adjustments can help relieve tension and make tummy time easier.
Can a chiropractor help with tummy time?
At Maximized Chiropractic, we're all about helping your little one thrive. Many times, babies who struggle with tummy time have neurological and muscular tension in their neck caused by subluxation. This makes it difficult for them to pick their head up, possibly even being in discomfort. This subluxation is often caused by birth trauma or being born via c-section. My job as a pediatric chiropractor is to find this source of stress on your baby and remove it. When your baby has a perfectly functioning spine and nervous system, they are going to tackle tummy time without a problem. I see babies every day who can lay in tummy time for longer because of chiropractic care.
Ready to Give it a Try?
If you're in Bismarck and want to learn more about how chiropractic can help your baby, give us a call! We'd love to chat and see how we can support your family.
Remember, every baby is different, and some might need a little extra help along the way. So be patient, have fun, and don't be afraid to ask for help!
Let's turn those tummy time tears into tummy time cheers!
Schedule an appointment today and let's unlock your babies superpowers!
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