The Play Space
Beginner floor play & tummy time.
When preparing for your baby’s arrival, there are considerations you can make for their play space that will support their earliest motor development.
You can create your baby’s first play area with things you already own, as simply as this:
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In the beginning, spitting up is incredibly common. And it’s not usually a reason to discontinue tummy time. You’ll want to be prepared by playing on a floor surface that you can easily clean.
A floor mat, yoga mat, quilt or blanket work well. And keep the burp cloths handy!
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You’ll want to play in an area that is large enough that you can comfortably lie on the floor with your baby.
If you put down a comfortable surface for your baby like a play mat, you may want that surface to be large enough for you to sit or lay on with your baby.
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In the beginning, tummy time on your chest is one way to supplement tummy time on the floor. And this will be most comfortable while you’re reclining on the couch (or bed).
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Pillows, a couch cushion, and a rolled towel are helpful for modifications when babies do not tolerate tummy time directly on the floor. You’ll learn how to use these items in the “Ways to Play” section.
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Let me set the scene. Your baby discovers the ceiling fan. From where they are lying on the floor, it’s always up to their left side. Over time, they may develop a preference for looking up to the left, making it more difficult to look to the right. The easy fix — change your baby’s position so that the fan is now on their right side.
Variety of location helps avoid habitual positions that can lead to muscle tightening and restricted range of motion.
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Your baby looks to you to learn how to regulate themselves. Your ability to emotionally regulate yourself can help your baby’s emotional regulation.
If your baby begins to show signs of frustration during tummy time, and in response you show signs of panic, impatience, or being flustered, then your baby will have a difficult time calming.
On the other hand, if you are able to remain calm and patient, then your baby is more likely to perceive an environment that is safe and secure.
How to play it cool and look calm even when you’re flustered?
Go slow.
Breathe slowly, react slowly, move slowly, touch slowly, speak slowly.
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Be mindful of the sensory input that your baby is perceiving, and how they are reacting to it. Just like in a restaurant, lighting and sound can be calming or stimulating. Pay attention to your baby and discover what they like. Do they tolerate tummy time longer when a specific type of music is playing? Or when you sing certain songs? Are they more engaged when there is a lot of social engagement, or do they find it overstimulating?
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Don’t forget that nature provides the best environment for sensory rich learning opportunities. You may find that your baby is willing to play on their tummy for longer periods of time when they are outside.
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You might find this a relief to hear. You don’t need most of the baby equipment that you’ve been led to believe is essential. Items like swings, bouncers, and loungers are not essential.
By “not essential,” I mean that they are not directly beneficial for gross motor development. But you may decide to use them in your home for other reasons. If these devices are non-negotiable in your home, judicious use is best (i.e. occasional frequency and short duration).
You can provide your baby with a rich learning environment without buying anything special. But, there are certainly some items that can make life a little more convenient during this stage.
Items that you may not already have at home:
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Actually, you might already have this, and you call it your “birthing ball.” Hang onto it for some modified tummy time activities with your baby. Bonus: It can be very soothing for your baby when you hold them while sitting and gently bouncing on the ball. Maybe it reminds them of the good ol’ days in your belly?
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This is one of the most gifted baby registry items. I say hang onto it if you get one! It can be helpful the first couple of months by entertaining your baby when you need to place them down to play on their back, and freeing up your hands for something else.
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Do you have dogs at home, or older kids running around? Placing your baby on the floor to play while you are supervising from a distance might not be feasible. This is when parents usually opt for containers like a baby carrier, swing, lounger, bouncer, or seat. Instead, try using the pack ‘n’ play from day one. Your baby will become accustomed to it, instead of containers that inhibit free movement. Motor skills do not develop when babies are constrained.