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Tummy time is an exercise session performed by placing your little one on their stomach while they are awake. As the name implies, this session is done so that your little one can practice their body movements actively. But actually, at what age should tummy time start?
This exercise primarily aims to support the development of a baby's motor and sensory functions. Additionally, your little one will be able to practice using their hands freely, which provides many overall benefits for physical growth and development.
To learn more about what tummy time is, when it should start, and the list of tummy time benefits, you can read the explanation in the next section of this article.
More About Tummy Time
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In more detail, tummy time is an activity that can be done by placing your little one on their stomach. Directly, this exercise helps strengthen your little one's neck muscles and upper body.
Although babies are advised to sleep on their backs, it is recommended that they perform tummy time regularly while awake. The main reason is the benefits your little one gains for their physical growth and motor development.
Thus, growth and development stimulation can be provided early on in the right way, so that your little one can grow optimally according to their age-appropriate milestones.
So, At What Age Should Tummy Time Start?
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According to information from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, tummy time can be done by your little one starting from 0 months or immediately after birth. However, the intensity needs to be monitored so it does not negatively impact your little one.
At this age, tummy time can be done 2 to 3 times a day for up to 5 minutes per session. The duration and frequency of the exercise will increase as your little one grows. One thing that must be noted and recommended is that at an early age, tummy time is recommended to be done on the parent's chest.
Why?
Because this way, Mom or Dad can provide direct contact, making your little one feel comfortable moving. At the same time, optimal supervision can be provided because every movement your little one makes can be observed well by you.
4 Benefits of Tummy Time for Baby Development
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We briefly discussed the benefits of tummy time earlier. After knowing at what age tummy time starts, you must understand the series of benefits this small exercise provides for your little one.
1. Motor Development
The first benefit is in your little one's motor development. Directly, tummy time helps strengthen their neck muscles, back muscles, and shoulder muscles because they "must" support their head and other body parts to move.
This exercise will also help your little one learn to roll over, sit, crawl, and eventually walk as they get older.
2. Preventing Flat Head Syndrome
Because it reduces the time spent lying on their back, this method can also help your little one avoid flat head syndrome. Pressure on the back of your little one's head can be reduced, so their head shape tends to be ideal.
3. Cognitive Sensory Development
The third benefit is stimulating your little one's sense of sight, hearing, and touch. These sensory and cognitive factors are highly influential on their growth and development in the future.
You can provide stimulation for learning about their surroundings while also helping them use their various senses and body parts.
4. Other Benefits
In addition to the three benefits above, there are others. For example, it can reduce the risk of colic or bloating, increase bonding between parents and the little one, and various other benefits that may not be visible in your little one's early stages but will be felt when they are older.
How to Do Tummy Time Safely
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To perform tummy time safely, there are several methods. For comfort, at least four points should be considered.
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First, regarding frequency and duration. Start with short exercise sessions, multiple times a day. As your little one grows older, the duration and frequency of tummy time can be increased.
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Second, position and environment. Place your baby on Mom or Dad's chest when performing tummy time at an early age. However, as they get older, you can place your little one on a flat and firm surface. Also, ensure the surrounding area is safe and comfortable.
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Third, make it fun. Interact with your little one, talk to them actively, and provide toys. Vary the position and location of tummy time so your little one does not get bored quickly and wants to keep moving to exercise their body.
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Fourth, recognize signs that it is time to stop. You should know the signs your little one shows when they want to stop. The most common signs include fussiness, crying, or even difficulty breathing. If these signs appear, immediately end the tummy time session.
Mengingat tummy time menjadi bagian penting dari stimulasi tumbuh kembang si kecil, maka proses ini dapat segera dilakukan sejak usia 0 bulan. Namun perlu diperhatikan bahwa apa yang Bunda ingin lakukan benar-benar harus diawasi dengan baik, agar si kecil tidak sampai mengalami cedera.
Waktu latihan tummy time secara rutin akan memberikan stimulus yang diperlukannya untuk tumbuh dengan optimal. Jika diperlukan, Bunda dapat berkonsultasi dengan dokter kepercayaan Bunda agar mendapatkan ‘resep’ latihan yang ideal untuk buah hati.
Sekilas tentang jawaban atas pertanyaan tummy time usia berapa di atas semoga menjadi bacaan berguna untuk Bunda. Tentu saja, untuk mendampingi setiap fase tumbuh kembangnya, Bunda dapat mengandalkan produk berkualitas dari Hegen. Lengkap, memiliki ekosistem yang sempurna, dan terjamin kualitasnya, Hegen akan mendukung setiap upaya Bunda dalam memberikan yang terbaik untuk si kecil!
Referensi:
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Siloam Hospitals. Tummy Time pada Bayi, Ini Manfaat dan Tips Melakukannya. https://www.siloamhospitals.com/en/informasi-siloam/artikel/tummy-time-pada-bayi.
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Ibu & Balita. Wajib Tahu, Begini Cara Tummy Time Bayi Bulan. https://www.ibudanbalita.com/artikel/tummy-time-bayi-2-bulan.
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Fimela. 5 Cara Aman Melatih Tummy Time pada Bayi. https://www.fimela.com/parenting/read/4722182/5-cara-aman-melatih-tummy-time-pada-bayi.
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GoodDoctor. Ingin Melakukan Tummy Time pada Bayi? Begini Cara Amannya, Moms!. https://www.gooddoctor.co.id/parenting/info-parenting/ingin-melakukan-tummy-time-pada-bayi-begini-cara-amannya-moms/.
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Alodokter. Manfaat Tummy Time pada Bayi dan Cara Melakukannya. https://www.alodokter.com/manfaat-tummy-time-pada-bayi-dan-cara-melakukannya.
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Bebeclub. 7 Manfaat Tummy Time untuk Perkembangan Bayi dan Caranya. https://bebeclub.co.id/artikel/tumbuh-kembang/0-3-bulan/tummy-time-bayi.
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PrimaKu. Ketahui Manfaat dan Waktu yang Tepat Tummy Time untuk Bayi, yuk!. https://primaku.com/parenting/ketahui-manfaat-dan-waktu-yang-tepat-tummy-time-untuk-bayi--yuk-.
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Kehamilan Sehat. Ternyata Bermanfaat! Berikut Cara Melakukan Tummy Time pada Bayi. https://kehamilansehat.com/id/berikut-cara-melakukan-tummy-time-pada-bayi/.
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Kumparan. Cara Tummy Time Bayi 2 Bulan dengan Aman dan Menyenangkan. https://kumparan.com/tips-dan-trik/cara-tummy-time-bayi-2-bulan-dengan-aman-dan-menyenangkan-20qBZtgoYGy.