Why did I decide to create a Music and Tummy time class?
As a mom I wanted to share things I wish I knew as a first time mom. As an early childhood educator and music and movement teacher I kept feeling the need to share my knowledge, to empower moms in knowing that they are enough. We live in a society that is busy, that is often compared to Pinterest and Instagram. I created this class as a reminder that YOU are enough.
I felt the responsibility to create this class. To share my passion and love for music and early childhood education and use it as a tool to share knowledge and empower moms to feel confident to play and stimulate their babies with less. I am a true believer that less is more.
So what is the deal with Tummy Time, why is it so important?
I am going to go through some of my commonly asked questions.
When can you start Tummy Time? You can start incorporating tummy time once they are born.
How often can I do Tummy Time? Back to sleep, Tummy time to play! Take advantage of every diaper change and do some supervised tummy time right after (lots of diapers mean lots of tummy time opportunities).
Take advantage of the few awake periods to engage in play and some floor time activities.
How long should my baby do Tummy time? As long as they can comfortably tolerate. Every baby is different. Try to incorporate what works for you and your family keeping in mind that you want to respond and respect them (remember that their cry is their only form of communication, and you and your are building trust your babies trust. You won't spoil him/her by answering their cries)
If they are unhappy, soothe them, pick them up, try a different position or try again later.
If you are consistent, slowly and naturally they will learn to like tummy time!
How can tummy time help my babies development? Tummy time is a very important position. It is a crucial exercise for baby’s visual, motor, and sensory development. It allows them to gain neck and core strength for them to do their job and go on to the next milestone. Babies are now spending much of their time in a contained environment such as: bumbos, high chairs, car seats, strollers, walkers and other containers that are working against their natural development. Of course balance is everything, right? Yes! You are absolutely correct. Parents need to shower, and help older siblings with homework as well as work too ( especially now with so many parents working remotely from home). So don't feel guilty if your baby is in a contained safe space during a time where you have to get things done, but I would just suggest to be aware of how much time they are spending in a "container"
Now why would you want to do that?! right?... something else to add to the to-do list.
Aside from delayed milestones, Plagiocephaly which is a fancy work for flat head syndrome is essentially what we want to avoid. Many times it is caught early by your pediatrician but not all the time. When caught early if we focus on keeping babies out of containers and on the floor during active play time it will help to avoid your baby getting the helmet.
Please note that if your baby had to get a helmet and you did everything you could, do not think you did something wrong. Sometimes the position in the womb can cause this and no matter what you do they might till need the helmet for a short period of time, and that is ok.
How can we incorporate tummy time in our day to day? - Get in the habit of doing a few minutes of tummy time right after diaper changes.
- Tummy time on your chest counts as tummy time :) take in all those snuggles.
- Mirrors, black and white contrast cards and eye contact.
- Lap soothe. Place baby face down across your lap to burp or soothe them. A hand on baby’s bottom will help steady and calm them
- Get to eye level with baby and sing and engage, you can prop them up using a blanket or Boppy pillow under the chest.
Don't forget all tummy time activities should be done awake and supervised!
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