Having a baby is an exciting new adventure. Part of the experience is ensuring that your little one grows up healthy and strong. One key way to promote development is to ensure your infant gets enough supervised tummy time – or time spent lying on their stomach rather than their back. You can begin doing this at home for a few minutes each day soon after birth and continue once they start attending a day care center. Here’s what you should know about the benefits this will provide. 

How Tummy Time Helps Babies

1. Builds Strength 

Tummy time gives your baby the opportunity to use underdeveloped muscles in their core, allowing them to grow stronger and improving their stability. It’s a form of baby exercise that prepare them to learn how to crawl and eventually walk. You can foster healthy growth by placing your newborn on their stomach two to three times daily for a few minutes at a time. As your baby grows and begins attending a day care center, you should increase these intervals until they’re spending at least 15 minutes to no more than two hours in total on their bellies. 

2. Prevents Health Issues 

The safest way for babies to sleep is on their backs. However, spending too much time in this position can lead to flat spots on the back of infant heads. Babies are born with two soft spots – called fontanels – on their heads – one at the front and one at the back. The rear fontanel can stay soft as long as three months after birth to allow for brain growth. Establishing at least 15 minutes of tummy time each day relieves the pressure on the back of the skull to ensure normal development. 

3. Fosters Independence 

Giving your little one a bit of playtime on their belly will encourage your baby to play independently and explore their world. Changing positions also helps infants understand the concepts of space and distance, making them more aware of their bodies and more comfortable around new experiences. This will make later transitions – for instance, going to a day care center – easier for your child. 

If you need help caring for your baby or toddler, trust Mendon Child Care Center in Mendon and Victor, NY. This day care center provides nurturing and interactive care from infancy through grade school. Their attentive and dutiful staff will work to accommodate your little one’s needs, from supervised tummy time to naps. They offer personalized child care curricula for older students, including singing, reading, and basic number skills.  Call (585) 624-2337 to learn about their infant and toddler programs or check out their website to learn more about their team.