- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Tummy Time
A Physical Therapist Explains the Importance of Tummy Time Play
By Donna Smith
Twins and multiples may have a slightly higher risk of early motor delays because they are more crowded in the uterus, so stretching the neck muscles is particularly important. No special exercises are needed, and as your babies get older, around 3 months, they may actually help each other – they will love looking at you and their sibling while on their tummies.
What if my baby hates tummy time?Along with my organization, the Pathways Awareness Foundation, I encourage parents to try to find an hour of tummy time a day in short spurts, but it's extremely common for babies to get fussy after a minute or two when first introducing tummy time!
The best advice is to build up gradually and not to feel guilty if you can only get in a few minutes at every session when at the beginning. Incorporate tummy time into your daily routine – for example, after every diaper change, try some tummy time. Try different techniques to see what works for you and your baby. Once your baby starts to expect it, he may even start to like it!
Photo credits by Pathways Awareness
|
