Signs Your Child Needs Tummy Time: Essential Tips from Bondi Junction and Mascot Occupational Therapists
Tummy time isn’t just for babies. If your child fidgets in their chair or struggles to hold their head up during tasks like eating, they could benefit from tummy time. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our experienced Occupational Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot frequently recommend tummy time, even for older children, as part of their Occupational Therapy programs. These activities play a significant role in improving fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and overall physical development.
Why Tummy Time is Crucial for Development
When babies are on their tummies, they engage different muscles compared to lying on their backs. While tummy time is often associated with babies, its benefits extend to toddlers and older children as well, especially those who struggle with physical coordination.
Here are a few reasons it is so important:
- Muscle Development: Tummy time helps build strength in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back—critical muscles for sitting, crawling, and walking.
- Milestone Preparation: It supports the development of coordination and balance, helping children reach important milestones such as crawling and walking.
- Improving Focus and Attention: By engaging their core and upper body during tummy time, children can improve their focus and attention skills, which are necessary for tasks in school and everyday life.
How Tummy Time Affects Focus and Attention
Visual Development: Lying on their tummy encourages babies and young children to lift their heads, strengthening neck muscles and helping them focus on nearby objects. This activity enhances their visual tracking abilities, an essential skill for tasks like reading and focusing on classroom work.
Cognitive Skills: When children explore their surroundings during this time, they gain a better understanding of their environment. This curiosity improves cognitive skills by promoting problem-solving and focus, which is key for attention span development.
Sensory Stimulation: Tummy time provides a range of sensory experiences—feeling textures, hearing sounds, and seeing new objects. These stimuli are vital for brain development and help children manage sensory input better.
Motor Skills and Coordination: As children push up on their arms during tummy time, they develop hand-eye coordination. This is a foundational skill needed for activities like writing and playing sports.
How Occupational Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot Uses Tummy Time
Our Occupational Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot integrate tummy time into therapy sessions for older children who may struggle with fine and gross motor skills. This activity helps build core strength, balance, and coordination—essential for improving posture, sitting for extended periods, and handling school tasks.
Fun Tummy Time Activities Recommended by Our Occupational Therapists
Here are some creative ways to make tummy time more engaging for your child:
- Use Bright Toys: Place colourful, textured toys around your child to encourage them to lift their head and reach out. This not only strengthens muscles but also stimulates their curiosity.
- Interactive Play: Get down on the floor with your child. Talk to them, make silly faces, or read a book while they engage in tummy time. This keeps them engaged and makes it a bonding experience.
- Mirror Play: Use a mirror at this time. Children love looking at their reflection, and this encourages them to lift their heads more frequently, helping build neck strength.
- Tummy Time Pillow: Use a soft pillow or rolled-up towel under your child’s chest to provide extra support. This makes it easier for them to engage with the environment around them.
- Short, Frequent Sessions: Start with brief sessions and gradually increase the duration as your child gets stronger. Frequent breaks make this time more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Tips for Successful Tummy Time
- Supervision: Always supervise your child to ensure they are safe and comfortable.
- Consistency: Make tummy time a regular part of your child’s daily routine. Regular sessions lead to better results.
- Praise and Encouragement: Celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, our Occupational Therapists use tummy time as a key intervention for children with motor skill difficulties. Whether it’s helping babies reach developmental milestones or improving posture and coordination in older children, our Occupational Therapy programs are designed to meet each child’s unique needs. We also guide parents on how to incorporate tummy time into daily routines at home, ensuring continuous progress.
Conclusion
Tummy time is more than just an activity for babies—it’s an essential part of motor development for children of all ages. If your child struggles with balance, posture, attention, or coordination, introducing this into their routine can make a significant difference. By working with an experienced Occupational Therapist at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction or Mascot, your child can receive the support they need to thrive.
Reach Out for Support
Concerned about your child’s motor skills or development? Contact OneOnOne Children’s Therapy today. Our Occupational Therapists in Bondi Junction and Mascot are here to help. They are registered with AHPRA.
📞 Call us at (02) 80657837
✉️ Email us to book a consultation
Let’s work together to support your child’s development and ensure they reach their full potential.
