When do you start tummy time with a preemie?

If you are a parent to a preemie, congratulations! You have won the lottery of life. Raising them is one hell of an adventure.

One such thing that parents should ensure their premies undergo is tummy time. If you’ve never heard of it before, tummy time is where babies lay on their stomachs while they’re awake and play under adult supervision.

But wait, when do you start administering tummy time for your little human? What precautions should be taken so as not to harm them? Is there even any benefit to it?

The Definition of Prematurity

Before we dive deep into the article’s topic, let us first understand what prematurity means.
According to WHO, infants born before 37 weeks gestation are considered premature.

Premature delivery can come with several complications like low birth weight and developmental delays (but no pressure or anything).

Benefits Of Tummy Time

Tummy-time helps infants in developing essential motor skills along with strengthening neck muscles against gravity while, improving overall development. Other benefits include:

  • Helps prevent flattening at the back of the head (Plagiocephaly) due to extended periods lying on their backs.
  • Greater tolerance for other positions.
  • Allows baby getting used kicking.

When Should You Begin Administering Tummy-Time To Your Bundle Of Joy?

Fortunately/Unfortunately timing varies by child severity/ease. Knowing this difference will guide throughout this journey; here some general tips tailored around various situations:

Full-term Babies:

Full-term babies can begin tending towards tummy-time from day 1 or soon after returning from NICU but sometimes preserving during difficult breathing or feeding experience may take precedence until everything stabilizes more fully.

Extreme Preemies (Born Before 28 Weeks):

The guidelines recommend holding off starting intense newborn tackling until the stability and healing progress as preterm infants are exceedingly fragile. It is best to discuss with your NICU team.

Moderate Preemies (Born between 28-32 Weeks):

The timing of start is dependent on overall health/complications; however, some experts suggest starting earlier than two weeks post discharge for moderate preterm babies.

The Quantity Of Tummy-Time Per Day?

Newborns will give different feedback as per their disposition. Still, you can generally expect tummy time lasting 30 seconds to a minute in each day at first increasing gradually by checking tolerance level or until long enough duration gets hit frequently.

Here’s a table summarising how long parents should work up- 

Age Daily Tummy Time
Birth to 1 Month Short sessions multiple times throughout the day
2 -3 Months At least one session of total length approximating ten min rise gradually where efficacious

Remember, every premature baby may have special needs and limitations like ongoing respiratory support so always review following doctor / pediatrics advice strictly rather than online instructions

How To Safely Do Tummy Time?

Now that we’ve covered what tummy-time entails let us take practical steps when it comes down to performing secure tackle.

Follow these tips:

  • Most particularly on an empty stomach! Ensure Baby has had burped & eaten before trying out if possible.

    Tip: If hiccups arise after eating please wait till they’ve dissipated properly; once rolling occurs teeth-safe toys become mandatory.

Choose The Perfect Venue

When it comes down to selecting the right spot/environment for tummy time be sure whenever facing anything front should ensure clear visibility so adult supervision remains top-form!

Fun Fact: Wetting a portion of an hourglass-shaped rolled towel placed under the chest might make lying belly-down more manageable for your little treasure.

Keep it Short

Start with much less than a minute and gradually increase the time when they become more accustomed to change.

Head Control Is Crucial!

The lack of head control may cause harm, so baby’s neck strength development is essential. Before families know it as usual heads will be raised upward enjoying playful moments while exploring surroundings! Conveniently encouraging multiple muscles in baby’s body.

Conclusion

Tummy Time doesn’t necessarily have a start age fixed in stone but instead varies depending on individual circumstances surrounding preemie birth.
It’s always wise to question family pediatricians or get advice from other parents’ experiences with similarly premature babies about their tactics used during this period!

In any case, following the tips given above can help you administer tummy-time safely for healthy growth.

Remember our little warriors require extra-special attention just like every unique being does on earth.

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