Why is this so important to your baby’s sleep success and peace of mind? During my training I was so excited when the pieces of the sleep puzzle fell into place and the understanding of efficient sleep, feeding and play and how baby’s day affected their night became apparent. Then I realized the importance of not only playing, but also playing on the floor and tummy time for all babies from birth.
There are many factors that affect how well a baby sleeps; daily routine, bedroom environment, uptime efficiency, communication, cues, consistency, and persistence to name the top keys. However, I find myself talking to parents every day about the importance of floor play, but more importantly, tummy time from birth. It may surprise you to learn that babies don’t develop flat heads because now they sleep on their backs, it’s more likely that the baby doesn’t get enough tummy time and spends too much time in a rocker, rocker, stroller, bed, or just on their backs on the floor. .
Typical stories that indicate there is not enough game on the floor include:
*The baby is not feeding very well during the day.
*Baby wants to feed all night.
*The baby does not show signs of tiredness at bedtime because he is not tired.
* The baby’s sleep is very short.
*Infant shows no interest in rolling/up on hands and knees, rocking, crawling, crossing furniture (approximate stages of development).
* Expects to be given toys instead of being able to explore for them,
he complains when he is not entertained.
*The baby does not tolerate a lot of tummy time.
*Baby cannot play independently with age-appropriate toys.
*Baby still has his ‘startle reflex’ past 4.5 months.
*Infant still has head lag when transitioning from lying to sitting after 4 months.
*Typically, these babies spend a lot of ‘play time’ under a play gym, in a bouncy stroller, on their backs on a small dedicated play mat or sheepskin or in a playpen.
Playtime is just as important for a baby to get a good night’s sleep as exercise is for an adult. Your baby feels tired and like she’s had a full day’s work stretching, rolling and crawling at every activity time!
Tummy time is important for the following reasons:
*For wearing down your baby and earning his dream
*To stimulate the social and developmental needs of your brain
*Helping your eyesight judge distances by coordinating the right and left sides of your body and encouraging crawling, helping your neck muscles get stronger to sit up, start solid and not take whiplash as badly in a car accident.
Tip:
*Encourage free play on the floor on an open surface and spread toys around baby from 6 weeks.
*Tummy time for as long as the baby tolerates it, at each activity time since birth.
* Encourages reaching, rolling, crawling, crossing furniture, and then walking.
*Even if your baby seems to like being held by the hands to walk, don’t encourage him before he is ready to walk himself.
*There is a relationship between the baby that does not crawl and the development of learning difficulties.
* Crawling encourages body coordination, especially with sports.
(C) Copyright Natalie Ebrill. All rights reserved throughout the world.
