Contents:
Medical Video: Tummy time exercises for your baby
Although this activity is intended for 12-month-old babies, older or younger children can enjoy it. Do it before the afternoon nap to make the baby more relaxed.
Benefits:
- Encourage and develop the sense of touch in babies
- Develop baby sensitivity
- Activating your sense of touch will give your baby the opportunity to express themselves. He will dare to change or experiment with what he does.
- Strengthen your bond with your baby
What you need:
- soft mattress or blanket
- music
Instructions
Do this activity when your child is ready to take a break from playing time. This can help the baby relax before nap time. If he is too fussy or tired to do this activity, you can try it when he wakes up in the afternoon. You might have to experiment a little to find the right time for you and your child.
Dim the lights and play soft music. Help your child lie flat on a mattress, blanket or on your thighs. If he doesn't want to lie down, see if he wants to sit on your lap. Some toddlers even prefer to stand up.
Wipe your child's feet with movements from top to bottom. Then do the same thing on his arms, hands and fingers (if your child is clenching his fist, open it slowly).
Start with a strong touch, almost as if you were kneading bread dough. Then change your swipe to be softer, slower, and softer. Watch your child to see what kind of touch he likes. That way you can adjust the massage specifically for him.
This activity is not a full massage so your child can still wear clothes. But if you think that touching skin to the skin will make your child respond better, then it's enough to just wear diapers to your baby. Make sure the room isn't too cold for him.
Take a deep breath and feel yourself relaxed while listening to music, then look into your child's beautiful eyes. Feeling relaxed will catch on to your baby.
