The Play Space
Intermediate floor play & tummy time.
The play environment recommendations for Intermediate Floor Play and Tummy Time will be the same as the Beginner stage. We will make a few changes in the Advanced stage.
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, but 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 up.
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 large enough that you can comfortably lie on the floor with your baby.
If you put out a comfortable surface for your baby, you may want to be able to fit on that surface, too.
If getting down onto the floor is not comfortable after birth, there are some simple modifications that can be made. These are discussed in the “Ways to Play” section.
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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. We will discuss how to use them 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 emotionally regulate. So, if your baby begins to show signs of frustration, and in return 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. Just like in a restaurant, lighting and sound can be calming or stimulating. Pay attention to your baby to 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 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 that bad boy for some enhanced 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, and freeing up your hands for something else. Keep in mind that the overhead portion of the play gym promotes playing on their back, which can mean reduced time on their tummy.
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Do you have dogs at home, or other kids running around? Placing your baby on the floor to play while you are supervising from the kitchen might not be feasible. This is when parents usually opt for containers like a baby carrier, swing, lounger, bouncer, or seat. Instead of any of those, 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.