Young babies spend less time on their tummies these days now that doctors in child development research recommend babies sleep on their backs to prevent SIDS. Babies need tummy time, though, to help them stregthen neck and back muscles. Even more important, researchers say that moving and exploring the world on their tummies stimulates baby brain development in new and important ways.
That’s why it’s good to let your baby play on her stomach at least part of the day. As she tries to lift her head to see and explore her world, she’ll get a chance to exercise her muscles and her infant brain development will increase.
Not all normal babies this age like to play on their tummies, though. Try placing her on a a colorful patterned blanket, and scatter a few interesting objects around her. If that doesn’t work, get right down on the floor with her and talk and sing a little while. Getting a “baby’s-eye-view” of the world can teach you a lot about how she sees the world. And it might help you predict how you’ll need to babyproof your house when she starts crawling.
An added benefit of tummy time? Your baby's head may stay rounder. That’s because when babies spend all their time in one position, their heads can actually get flat in places!