5 Reasons Tummy Time is Good for Bonding

You may be aware that spending time lying on their front is important for your baby, so they can strengthen their muscles and prevent brachycephaly (flat spots on the back of their head). But did you know that it’s also a brilliant way to bond with your infant?

Quality time together

When babies are on their tummies, they are more alert and interactive, making it the perfect time for playful games and gentle lullabies. These simple activities can help create a strong emotional connection between you and your little one. The experience also gives you a chance to observe your baby's movements and expressions, providing valuable insights into their development.

Physical closeness

Your baby doesn’t have to spend tummy time on the floor. They may prefer to lie on your chest, where they feel warm and close to you. Cuddling is vital to bonding with your little one and helping them to feel secure and loved. It can also be relaxing for you, as the parent, having some quiet time where you’re not having to rush around. 

Learning to trust people

When a baby is lying on their tummy, they are vulnerable and at the mercy of the people around them. Being so tiny, this can be a scary experience for them, but it is also an opportunity to develop trust. By allowing you to hold and support them during tummy time, they start to learn that they can rely on other people. This early trust experience is an essential foundation for healthy social and emotional development through their childhood and all the way into adulthood. 

Developing a sense of security

When a parent or other caregiver interacts with their baby during tummy time, they build an important emotional connection. So when you're getting down on the floor for some tummy time with your little one, remember that you're not just helping them crawl or walk - you're also helping them bond and feel loved. This sense of security and attachment is crucial for an infant's development, and it lays the foundation for healthy relationships later in life.

Starting to communicate with others

Communication is essential for humans. It's how we interact with others, express our needs and wants, and build relationships. For babies, tummy time is an important opportunity to learn communication skills. When they are lying on their stomachs, they can see the world around them and learn to connect with the people in it. They can learn to make sounds and gestures to get the attention of others, and listen and respond to what people are saying. This is vital preparation for a lifetime of conversations once they master speaking. 

Tummy time is an important part of a baby's development. It helps them learn how to interact with others and develop their social skills. Interacting with their caregiver helps develop a baby's bond with others, and it also helps them learn how to communicate and interact with the world around them. 

Photo by Keira Burton