Tummy Time. Why is it so important?
Tummy time is vital for developing babies. Your baby very simply needs tummy time to help strengthen their neck and back muscles. Make it as interesting as possible for them. Using toys, noises, colours to help them spend 3/4 seconds longer there. Every second counts to stimulate their muscles, ligaments and connections to the brain to build strength in the area. Lie on the floor with them and your baby will be encouraged to lift their head up so they can see you. Mammy or Daddy is much more interesting than the changing mat or carpet!
You can start with just a few seconds of tummy time from the age of three weeks old. For example, while changing your baby’s nappy, in a safe environment, with your hand completely supporting their tummy and chest rest them on to their front for just a few seconds. From six weeks you could increase the amount of time to 30 seconds.
Note: if your baby really really does not like lying on their tummy, consider having them checked out for any small imbalances in their spine/nervous system which could be contributing to their discomfort.
Has your baby been diagnosed with colic? Learn more here.
Acid Reflux
During my recent seminar in London (regarding care of babies and children), one topic discussed was acid reflux in babies. Reflux often tends to get worse around four months of age and generally by 12-18 months resolves by itself. Acid reflux in babies is often a common cause of refusal to eat or being picky. The baby starts to associate eating with discomfort.
Top Tips For Reflux
If you find your baby is suffering with reflux, nurse in a 30- 40 degrees upright position during feeding to help with this. Maintain the position for 30 minutes after feeds also, this can decrease the amount of reflux.
Or perhaps following a feed place your baby on an incline of 30 degrees (wedged cushion), this may help reduce regurgitation as gravity helps keep the stomach contents down. There are lots of cushions out there to chose from. Perhaps consider going natural with a chemical-free, hypoallergenic nursing pillow.
In addition, simple points such as a tight elastic around the waist and keeping nappies snug but not tight on your baby can help. Consider how you would feel when eating your dinner. If your waistband was too tight around a full stomach, you would loosen it.
Read about the top eight reasons parents bring in their newborn for care.
A thorough evaluation is a vital step in giving your newborn the best possible start. Newborn care is extremely gentle and it will help your baby feel comfortable in his/her body.
A final point is to also consider visiting a Homeopath. They can assist with safe and effective homeopathic remedies. A Naturopath can also guide you on which foods will exacerbate acidity or reflux issues.
If you feel your little one may benefit from a consultation with Treasa, please contact the clinic. Treasa is also more than happy to have a chat on the phone prior to your first visit, contact on 087 1815007.
Read more about what to expect from my general treatments
Hopefully you find the general information in this blog informative and helpful, however it is not intended to replace medical advice and should not be used as such.