Introduction
Tummy time is essential for your baby's development, offering an opportunity to strengthen muscles and explore the world from a new perspective. This practice supports both physical growth and the development of vital motor and cognitive skills.

At Babaloo, we understand the importance of tummy time, and our Baby-Led Bottle® is designed to complement this critical stage. Below, we share tips and a fun hack to make tummy time an activity your baby will love!

Why Tummy Time Matters

Babies learn in two key ways: sensory input and motor activity. Tummy time combines both, boosting sensory feedback, movement, and brain growth. Laying your baby on their belly provides significant sensory input for their bodies, unlike lying on their back, which limits engagement.

Starting tummy time early supports:

• Muscle Development: Strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles necessary for rolling, crawling, and walking.
• Motor Skills: Builds the foundation for all sensorimotor milestones.
• Cognitive Growth: Encourages exploration of the environment, laying the groundwork for intelligence and coordination.

According to Piaget’s Sensorimotor Stage theory, tummy time helps babies learn about the world through senses and actions. It also prevents flat head syndrome, supports primitive reflex integration, and promotes overall sensory and motor development.

When Tummy Time Became Even More Important

In 1994, the Back to Sleep campaign by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reduced Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by encouraging back-sleeping for infants. While effective, this meant babies were spending more time on their backs, making tummy time during the day even more critical to ensure proper muscle and motor development.

Starting Tummy Time

The AAP recommends beginning tummy time within the first few days of life and gradually increasing the duration.

How to Begin:

• Start with short sessions a couple of times daily.
• Tummy time on a caregiver’s chest counts! This allows for bonding and sensory stimulation in a comforting position.
• Increase to 15–30 minutes by 7 weeks of age, and aim for an hour a day as they grow.

For newborns, start tummy time during every awake period, focusing on quality over quantity—even a minute of happy, engaged tummy time is better than a longer session with a frustrated baby.

What if Your Baby Doesn’t Like Tummy Time?

If your baby struggles with tummy time, it’s often a strength issue. Babies may compensate by lifting their bottom or dropping their head, indicating weak stabilizing muscles.

Solutions to Improve Tummy Time:

1. Adjust Center of Gravity: Gently push your baby’s pelvis downward to activate their lower abdominal muscles.
2. Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Consult a pediatric physiotherapist or chiropractor for targeted exercises.
3. Guppy Position: Place your baby on their back with their head gently extended off the edge of a pillow or mat to relieve tension and improve neck strength.

With consistent practice, babies quickly gain strength, making tummy time more enjoyable and beneficial.

The Babaloo Baby-Led Bottle® Tummy Time Hack

One of the easiest ways to extend tummy time is to make it more engaging for your baby. Enter the Babaloo Baby-Led Bottle®, designed to facilitate tummy time while offering a safe and comfortable feeding experience.

How It Works:

• Introduce the bottle during tummy time once your baby shows the ability to push up through their arms (around 3–6 months).
• Place the bottle within reach to encourage your baby to lift their head, engaging their neck and shoulder muscles.
• For younger babies without sufficient muscle strength, try side-lying with the bottle to encourage engagement in a safe position.

Using the Babaloo bottle during tummy time gives babies the reward of a delicious meal, keeping them motivated and happy.

Using Babaloo for Tummy Time

Steps to Incorporate Babaloo into Your Routine:

1. Preparation: Fill the bottle and expel all air for an airless feeding experience.
2. Positioning: Lay your baby on their tummy with the bottle positioned just under their nose.
3. Supervision: Always supervise to ensure safety and comfort.

Is it Safe?
Yes! Feeding during tummy time mimics the natural breastfeeding position, where babies often lie on their bellies while feeding. The Babaloo Baby-Led Bottle® is specifically designed to align with your baby’s reflexes and support safe feeding.

How Much Tummy Time is Enough?

The general rule is 5 minutes per day per week of life (e.g., a 4-week-old baby should aim for 20 minutes daily). Break this into multiple short sessions throughout the day for the best results.

Have Fun with Tummy Time

Keep tummy time engaging by mixing in activities like feeding with the Babaloo bottle. Sit at eye level with your baby to maintain engagement, and reward their efforts with smiles and encouragement. Don’t forget to enjoy this bonding moment yourself—grab a cup of coffee and relax together!

Developmental Stages and Tummy Time

As babies grow and begin to sit independently, they may show less interest in lying on their bellies. However, continuing tummy time and other motor skill exercises remains important for their development. The Babaloo bottle supports these transitions, allowing babies to practice various positions while promoting muscle development and coordination.

Conclusion

Tummy time is a vital part of your baby’s growth, supporting physical and cognitive development while building the foundation for future milestones. The Babaloo Baby-Led Bottle® complements tummy time, mimicking the natural breastfeeding position and encouraging safe, effective belly feeding.

Explore the Babaloo Baby-Led Bottle® and discover how it can be part of your baby’s tummy time routine. Share your experiences with us—we’d love to hear how you’re making tummy time fun and productive for your little one!