03/04/2026
TUMMY TIME BASICS
Start Young✨
1. You can begin right away! Try this during wake periods on your chest first. Try belly naps when YOU are awake and near them so you can keep an eye on them. Contact naps on DADS chest are wonderful (dad does not smell like milk, studies show when babies are placed on dad they regulate their nervous system more deeply than with mom.)
Engagement ✨
1. Don’t just put them on belly, start slow on back and roll them gently onto belly (make this a slow movement)
2. If baby is not stoked - engagewith them, eliminate distractions for yourself and be present with baby - softly talk to them in your regular voice
Take Breaks✨
1. Don’t force this process. Challenge your child, but if they are getting overly fussy bring them back to their back or an upright position. Short productive sessions of a few minutes each are longer than one long session with them in fight or flight.
Change Location✨
1. If not happy on the floor, try a different spot like a table, firm bed, exercise ball, new texture, new environment
Provide something to look at ✨
1. Don’t overwhelm infants with too many options… a small mirror, patchwork, black and white, small grippy toys,
2. Stay engaged with the infant, play with them, show them, crinkle things, let them see your happy face.
Pressure to Feet✨
1. Sensory input to the bottom of feet can be calming to the baby if they are starting to get uncomfortable. This will help ground them, feelings of safety.
*CONTINUED IN COMMENTS*
