For a long time, it was believed that you could not place a baby on your stomach until the umbilical wound was closed. Modern pediatrics has revised its approach to child development. Neonatologists advise parents to begin placing the baby on the stomach from the first day of life. Most babies tolerate this position very well, and it does not harm the navel.
Some children do not like to lie in this position, then parents have to accustom their babies. This should be done because the position on the tummy is very useful for the newborn. You will have to overcome the child's worries, his moods, and even tears, and you can not retreat in any case. Help your baby grow up strong, agile, and healthy.
Why do you need to put the baby on its stomach?
A month-old baby who is used to lying on his tummy, the world around him seems wider and more interesting. Exercise also has a positive impact on the physical condition of the child. Let's note all the useful points:
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Lying on the stomach, the child trains the neck muscles to learn to hold the head faster and easier. Other body muscles are also strained, and the shoulder girdle, arms, and abs are strengthened. By getting used to leaning on the arms, the newborn prepares itself for crawling
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When laying on the baby's stomach, he/she increases the viewing angle, sees his/her hands, notices toys, and develops the grasping reflex. At the same time, the baby's mental skills are stimulated
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Bones of the skull of a moon baby are soft and from prolonged lying on his back may flatten. To keep your baby's head from looking flat, you should lay him on his stomach more often
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Strengthening the neck muscles helps to avoid crookedness in the newborn. After putting your baby on his/her stomach, approach him/her from different sides so that he/she tries to come back to you
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Being on the stomach, the baby massages the abdomen and trains the abdominal muscles, thereby improving metabolism. Gases are excreted more easily, and the risk of colic is reduced. The formation of an umbilical hernia is prevented
Child exercise rules
You can not just take and turn the baby on his stomach, you need to observe several conditions. Since the position is new for a vulnerable baby, the mommy must do everything correctly and carefully. Follow these rules:
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Lay the baby on a hard and flat surface. Use a regular or changing table for this. You can cover the floor with a sheet or blanket and lay the baby on it, the main thing is that there are no drafts and the floor is warm. Rigid support will help the baby with the development of motor skills
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Before you put the baby on your stomach, do not give him or her any food. The position can provoke regurgitation, and after feeding, babies want to sleep, not exercise. For example, you know that in 30 minutes it is time for your baby to eat baby formula, then this period is the optimal time to put him on his tummy
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Be sure to be close to your newborn. Do not allow the baby to put his nose into a blanket or pillow, remove them. Monitor its position, do not leave it unattended for a minute - this is especially important for 2-3 months of age when the child is actively turning over
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Pediatricians recommend that you place your baby on his/her tummy naked. Check how many degrees it is in the room where your baby is, so as not to catch a cold
Since the pose involves exercising the muscles, never place your baby after eating or before bedtime. The exercise is done only when your baby is awake.
How do I teach my baby to lie on his tummy?
If your little treasure doesn't like to be on his tummy, is naughty, and resists, try to accustom him to it. Remember that this position is necessary for the child to develop properly. Be patient, act consistently, with an understanding of what you want to achieve. Try it this way:
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Put your baby out for a very short time, not more than 10 seconds. The main thing is that during this time the baby's mood is not spoiled, and he feels comfortable.
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Do the first exercises on your belly: it is familiar to the baby and the position will not make him feel insecure.
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Gradually increase the time lying on your belly, but be sure to watch when the baby begins to worry and lets you know that he is tired of lying like that.
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Turn the exercise into a daily, obligatory ritual. Do it at a certain time so that your baby is ready for it.
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Complement lying on your belly with pleasant procedures: massage and stroking. Your baby's attention will shift, and he will accept the new position with good grace.
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Lead the habituation without coercion. Do not insist if your baby is naughty - just try every day and a little, maybe he will soon like it.
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Choose the right time for lessons. A lethargic, hungry, or sleepy baby is unlikely to enjoy doing something that bothers him.
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To reduce discomfort, occupy your child's attention with audible and visual stimulants. Bright toys and squeakers are suitable for this.
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Change the texture and color of the surface where the baby will be. A little trickery will help distract the baby and improve his tactile skills.
Gradually, your baby will love the activity of laying on his tummy. If mom and dad make an effort, very soon the baby will please them with their successes.
The "lying on your tummy" position brings maximum benefit
If all your efforts do not lead to positive results, the baby continues to resist and does not want to lie on his stomach, offer him other options.
Regular exercises with your child will lead you to success - especially since at a certain age children themselves begin to like not only lying down but also sleeping on their stomachs. A once unloved position turns into the most comfortable and comfortable one.
In the first days and weeks after birth, the baby moves very little. The main postures are lying on your back or your side, with your legs pressed against your belly. Young mothers are very afraid of causing injury to the baby. To avoid this happening, it is important to follow the recommendations of doctors.
Pediatricians recommend that parents perform "games on the tummy" 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 minutes each time. In early childhood, lying on your tummy may only take a few minutes until the child gets tired.
When the child shows interest in playing on the tummy, increase the time and frequency of the exercises. After 3 to 4 months, try laying on your belly for about 20 minutes a day. If your baby is happy and alert, let him stay on his tummy as long as he likes it, 40 to 60 minutes a day.
Staying on your baby's tummy is a very important activity, try to spend the time with good cheer. Make these minutes cheerful and bright for your newborn, try to make him feel comfortable, distract and entertain him. The more your baby lies on his/her belly, the faster he/she will learn to control his/her body and start to surprise with new successes.