It's true—tummy time is important, but time to move in varied positions is equally valuable and offers a range of benefits for your little one. Here's your reminder—think about floor time, not just tummy time.
Why?
Floor play empowers your baby to freely discover their body and surroundings, leading to increased sensory awareness, strength, and coordination.
Floor time sets a foundation for early independent play, which fosters cognitive, social, and emotional development. When your baby can choose what interests them and has protected time to explore, they will gain concentration skills and greater self-esteem.
You can begin supervised floor play from birth. Like tummy time, your baby may only tolerate a few minutes at a time. This is still valuable, and their capacity to focus and engage will grow as you keep offering it.
Here are some tips for building in floor play:
Floor time should not be treated as a time to put your baby down and walk away. Spend time with them to help them connect confidently to the space.
Be careful not to overreach. Your playtime role is not "director." You're there to observe, guide, reassure, and inspire.
Get in a routine of offering floor play before baby gear when all their needs have been met, and they're ready to play (not tired, not hungry). Defaulting to baby gear first can lead to a preference for being contained.
Ensure the floor area is safe so your baby can explore without restrictions. It should contain a few key elements: - A floor mat that defines the space for baby to stretch, wiggle, and move - A mirror secured to the wall at their eye level. This gives them a broader view of the room and is an interesting thing to look at - Exciting things to look at, such as plants, artwork, and photography, as well as developmentally appropriate items to interact with, such as toys and infant mobiles.
By incorporating floor play into your baby's daily routine, you provide them with opportunities to strengthen their muscles. You also help them build their sense of self as they explore their interests and readiness.