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When you're putting your baby to bed,
it's best that they sleep on their back.
But when they're awake,
they should spend time in a variety of positions.
Being on their tummies
promotes healthy physical and sensory development,
upper body strength and fine motor skills.
It will also help prevent them
from developing a flat spot on their head.
Aim to have your baby spend about 90 minutes each day,
spread over the day, on his tummy.
That will be easier to do if you make it fun.
Try giving him something interesting to look at:
a toy, a mirror, or just you.
Or lie him down over a rolled towel or cushion,
over your knee or on your chest.
Not all babies like being on their tummies at first.
You can encourage them
by being sure to roll them over slowly
so you don't startle them
and by putting them on a firm, flat surface.
It's a good idea to start with short periods of time
and gradually lengthen them.
And try including tummy time when you change,
dress, or hold them.
Once your baby can lift his head
and push up on his own arms,
you can put mirrors and toys around him.
This will encourage him to shift his weight
and reach for things.
Most babies love to play Peek-A-Boo, a great tummy activity.
Once your baby has good head control and can sit up,
you can play airplane with him.
Tummy time is great for your baby,
but not all babies love it at first.
You can make it fun by giving your baby toys
to look at or laying him over a cushion
or on your knees.
Older babies love games like Peek-A-Boo.
To learn more, visit www.aboutkidshealth.ca