Tummy time

(Babies)

You will need:

• blanket
• choose a relaxing, comfortable place
• interesting toys for your child to look at and reach for
• mirrors – babies find their own faces fascinating
• parent's face – baby loves to look at you

What to do

Start with a tummy to chest position. Lay down with your head propped up by cushions. Lay your baby on your chest, be careful they do not roll off.

Chat to them in a sing-song voice to gain their attention and encourage them to raise their head to look at your face. Sing a nursery rhyme or use a toy that jingles to entertain them in this position.

Lay your baby on the floor on their sensory play mat or a blanket. Lay opposite them, face to face.

Talk to them and play with them introducing them to interesting toys. Reflective, flashing, or mirrored toys will grab their attention for longer.

Skills your child will learn:

• strengthens baby's upper body - they'll sit up, crawl and walk far quicker if they have a strong neck and shoulder muscles
• develops their motor skills and hand to eye co-ordination as they reach for and grab the toys you put in front of them