Early Stimulation for Babies and Tummy Time
The need for early stimulation and tummy time in babies is inevitable because the first few years of life are crucial for the development and growth of infants and young children. The formation of neural connections, cognitive, sensory, and motor skills development, and brain growth is at a peak in the early years. That's why the experience during the early stages dramatically impacts babies' physical and mental well-being. Due to this, the concept of early stimulation and tummy time in babies has gained significant recognition around the globe and is highly recommended by health experts.
WHAT IS EARLY STIMULATION FOR BABIES?
Early stimulation comprises many activities, experiences, and tactics that nourish the cognitive, sensory, emotional, and social skills in babies and young children. Through early stimulation, you can improve the babies' attention, focus, concentration, memory, communication, and problem-solving skills. It will not only promote their cognitive and emotional development but will also predict their success in adulthood. Several medical researchers have also concluded that early stimulation positively influences children's school performance and socio-emotional skills.
Early Stimulation Activities
Reading, singing, and talking to babies encourage social and language development and emotional connection with their parents and caregivers.
Activities that involve grasping, reaching, and holding. Holding with both hands will help your baby to develop visual skills (of convergence) and to integrate both sides of their body.
Provide babies with blocks and toys so they can explore and develop curiosity
Expose babies to objects of different colors, shapes, patterns, textures, and sounds to promote sensory development
To promote cognitive and motor development, do tummy time for a few minutes up to one hour throughout the day.
Above all, the most important thing is providing an environment where infants and young children feel loved and safe. It will ensure that babies develop healthy physical and mental growth.
WHAT IS TUMMY TIME?
Tummy time is when babies are placed on their bellies to help them reach their developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are functional skills or behaviors that babies show as they grow up, for example, smiling, waving their hands, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking. During tummy time, babies should be awake and lie on their bellies while parents show them toys and play with them.
Benefits of Tummy Time In Babies
Tummy time promotes head and neck control and helps strengthen the upper body and pelvic muscles. Increasing muscle strength will allow your baby to be more motivated to explore their environment and, therefore, facilitate cognitive development.
Tummy time is critically essential in enhancing sensory development in babies. For instance, babies continuously try to lift their heads and look around their surroundings during tummy time, which helps them reinforce their visual system and body awareness.
Additionally, there will be a significant impact on their vestibular system too. The vestibular system is responsible for the sense of balance. It informs the body about its position in the surrounding environment. During tummy time, babies can feel pressure on their bellies and will try to balance against gravity. Moreover, they also lift their head to observe their surroundings. That sense of balance and movement of the head and neck stimulates their vestibular system and promotes sensory development.
Another benefit of tummy time is promoting symmetrical development and growth of the skull, thus, preventing the risk of "Plagiocephaly" or "Flat Head Syndrome."
When Should I Start Tummy Time, and For How Long?
The best age to start tummy time is when your baby is a newborn. Initially, parents should start tummy time for a few minutes and then gradually increase its duration when the baby gets older and become comfortable with the position. It is recommended for up to one hour (60 minutes) by 2-3 months of age.
Although tummy time is beneficial for the brain and body of babies, it is essential to note here that not all babies will tolerate it well. Some may get uncomfortable with this position, so, initially, try it for a few minutes. You can try it on your chest or using an exercise ball or a mat on the floor. If a baby can comfortably adapt to this position, then gradually increase the duration.
Early stimulation and tummy time are critical for babies' optimal growth and development. To encourage the baby's participation, use toys such as rattles or other colorful musical toys that get the baby's attention.
If you think your baby would benefit from physical therapy, don't hesitate to reach out. You can schedule an appointment and start on the path to healthy and successful development for your baby.