Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

‘Back to sleep, tummy to play’ is a popular concept that help babies strengthen their core muscles and develop their back strength, which are critical for achieving subsequent developmental milestones (such as neck control and sitting) as well as preventing SIDS. Ideally, babies should be on their backs for sleep, but should spend a significant time on their tummies when awake, to help give your baby a great start!

Back To Sleep
Given their inability to turn, infants have a high risk of suffocation due to inadequate head positioning while sleeping (often referred to as SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Few golden rules that parents can adopt are –
 Babies should sleep on their back. Ensure their neck is turned to one side till 4 months to prevent them from developing flat areas on their head.
 After 4 months, once they roll over, they can turn to one side but safety measures should be taken
 No soft rolls or pillows should be introduced while sleeping on their back
 Train your baby to be more comfortable on his back by transferring him to a crib after rocking him to sleep
 Stick with it – Consistency is key when it comes to any sleep routine

Tummy To Play
Tummy time is for babies who are awake. Tummy time can prevent the back of your baby’s head from developing flat spots
 The ideal time to initiate tummy time is when your baby wakes up from a nap or following a diaper change
 Try to keep your baby belly-down for three to five minutes, two to three times a day and gradually increase it to an hour as your baby gets more comfortable

Engaging Your Baby on Their Tummy

Baby Gyms
Baby gyms facilitate body schema and orientation to different textures which help in development of the sensory system. They also facilitate audio visual development while playing with rattles and good coordination of hand and legs

On a flat surface with toys
While playing with a toy they develop eye hand coordination. On a flat surface, baby learns to weight shift and this helps engaging their core

Mirror play
Looking at themselves in a mirror increase self identification and body awareness. Your baby also views her environment in a different perspective through mirror play

Play with Purpose !!