Why lying on your stomach is so important for babies

Lying on the stomach is a very important skill in child development and a very difficult one. Not all children love this activity at the very beginning, unfortunately it takes time for them to accept this form of spending time.

Lying on the stomach is very important in the development of the baby because from this position the baby will reach all the next developmental stages. Let’s briefly remind ourselves what positions the baby will reach during this activity:

• symmetrical elbow support,
• symmetrical forearm support,
• roll from belly to back,
• side support,
• crawling,
• quadrupeds,
• sit from a four-legged position,
• crawling,
• high knees,
• and stepping – sticking out one leg at a time and then standing up.
  See for yourself in the video below

While lying on the back the child

• joins hands in the middle line of the body,
• learns to cross the midline of the body,
• grabs his knees,
• Tosses his pelvis up to learn to stabilize himself,
• Turns onto stomach,
• he grabs his feet.
  You can see for yourself that there are many more advantages to lying on your stomach, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about lying on your back or on your sides. Remember: all positions should be offered to your baby with a slight preference for lying on your stomach.
  Lying on your stomach strengthens the muscles in your abdomen, back, neck – all the postural muscles.

What to do if we observe that our baby has problems with this position from the very beginning?

At the very beginning, a month-old baby should be placed on your lap and chest. This way the child will feel safer in this position and it will be easier for him.
From the second month of life, try placing your baby on a puzzle mat. Remember a medium-hard surface is the most developmental for your baby. If your baby cries, seeks stability – pick up the little one, cuddle and try again after some time.

How to help your baby lie on his stomach on a floor mat?

1. Lay your baby on her stomach on your chest or on your thighs. Make sure baby’s arms are stretched forward.
2. place your hand on your baby’s bottom and gently guide it downward to help your baby transfer weight into his pelvis.
3. put your baby’s arms out so they are under your shoulders or slightly in front of them.
4. lie down with the baby in front of you, make funny faces, read books, show toys, simply SUPPORT your baby in this activity, especially at the very beginning.
   Above all, it’s important to give in. Lying on the belly is a workout, so your baby needs to learn to do it by strengthening the postural muscles.
   Good luck 🙂