Tummy Time

Today’s guest post is from Jessica Bryant from Sleep Happy Consulting LLC.
Jessica has helped over 350 helping sleep deprived parents create the sleep routines of their dreams in DFW and across the country since she opened her practice in 2015. Jessica lives with her husband of 20 years and her three happy sleepers, including twins, in Keller, Texas.

Is your baby comfortable being flat for sleep?

Sleeping flat comfortably is a developmental milestone for 3 month olds.

Babies today are not spending much time on their tummy or their backs. As families transition out of the newborn stage, sleep-deprived parents are struggling to sustain sleep routines with little ones that only know how to sleep in upright position.

As a sleep expert, my first suggestion to set newborns up for later sleep success is to make regular tummy time a part of your daily routine from the beginning.

Why?

Aids in transition from upright positioner to crib.
Improves flat sleep.
Reduces the chance of flat spots on heads.
Builds PARENT’s confidence in their baby’s ability move in the crib and clear their airway as babies grow.
Increases neck and upper body strength.
Keeps baby on track for physical milestones.
Helps make safe sleep practicable.

Are you thinking well that’s great and all …but my baby HATES* tummy time?

Here are steps you can take to help build your baby’s confidence in tummy time

Start with 3 minutes of your newborn laying on your elevated chest at least twice a day. As your baby adjusts, begin to lay flat so your baby is not in as much of an incline.
Build up to 20 minutes on the floor on tummy or back 3-5 times a day.
When your baby is on their tummy, lay down with your face close (very close) to your baby’s face. Encourage your baby to mimic your facial expression: stick out your tongue, smile big, touch noses, etc. Your baby is more likely to tolerate tummy time longer if they are fully engaged with their favorite person.
Prop a rolled towel or pool noodle or boppy cushion under baby’s arms to change position and provide more support. Be sure to put a mirror, toys or siblings down close to hold babies attention.
When tummy time is clearly over, model tucking knee under their body and rolling out of tummy time and onto back. Smile and cheer baby on and see if they will tolerate a little longer play time in on their back. If not, that’s okay. Baby may be ready for a change of scenery or giving sleepy cues.
Have fun and take it slow!

*If your baby suffers from severe reflux, it may not be appropriate to expect your baby to be comfortable for this long on their tummy or back.

Check with your pediatrician for more specific recommendations for your baby’s needs

Offering small amounts of time in this position will greatly impact the transition to sleeping when reflux improves. You may need to stick with the first step for several weeks before it is appropriate to progress to the next step.

For more tips on laying the foundation for healthy sleep, visit Sleep Happy at www.sleephappyconsulting.com.