[:en][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]As with most mums and dads, you know that it is safest to put your baby to sleep on her back. Nonetheless, did you know that it is equally important to put your baby on her tummy for a few moments each day when she is awake?

According to experts, tummy time is an essential part of your baby's growth process<sup>[1]</sup>. When she is lying on her belly, she will try to look up, left or right to see what is happening around her. This helps to exercise and strengthen the muscles in her neck, arms and back, giving her better control over her head and upper body. In fact, research suggests that babies who get an adequate amount of tummy time learn to crawl, roll over and sit up earlier than those who do not<sup>[2]</sup>!

Not only that. Because your baby's skull is still soft and hasn’t yet 'set', ensuring that she is not on her back all the time may help her avoid developing a flat spot at the back of the head.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="8775" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="8783" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]So when and how do you start giving your baby some tummy time?

You can begin incorporating short periods of tummy time into her daily routine as early as two weeks. When she is awake and alert, lie her on a clean mat on the floor, or on your lap for about 30 seconds to a minute, a few times each day. At first, she may just lay her head down or try to curl up. She may also kick up a fuss, being in a position she isn't used to. If that happens, just calm her down and try again a bit later.

As she grows, you can slowly increase the duration to help her develop further. Generally, aim for three to five-minute sessions each day when she is two months old, building up to 10-15 minutes each day as she gets older and gains better control of her movements.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Make tummy time more interesting by placing her favourite toys close to her. Move them from side to side in front of her to attract her attention, and encourage her to follow their movements. You can also tuck a nursing pillow under the armpits to give her better support as she tries to reach for her toys.

Remember to always get down to baby's level and speak to her continuously to let her know that you are right there with her. More importantly, never leave your baby on her own during tummy time, and allow her plenty of rest in between so that she is fresh and ready for the next session.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="8785" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
<h6 style="text-align: left;">References:</h6>
<h6 style="text-align: left;"><em><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/sleep-naps-12/tummy-time">http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/sleep-naps-12/tummy-time</a></em></h6>
<h6 style="text-align: left;"><em><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> <a href="http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a25009969/tummy-time">http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a25009969/tummy-time</a></em></h6>
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][:zh][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]就如同大多数的妈妈和爸爸一样，你知道让宝宝仰卧睡觉是最安全的方式。但，你可知道，在宝宝清醒的时刻，每天让她练习俯卧（趴着）也同样重要？

<strong> </strong>根据专家介绍，俯卧时间是宝宝成长过程<sup>[1]</sup>. 中的重要部分。当宝宝趴着的时候，她会尝试抬起头四处张望，看看周围发生的事。这个动作帮助她锻炼和强化颈部、手臂和背部的肌肉，让她对头部和上半身有更好的控制能力。事实上，研究显示，那些有充足的俯卧时间的宝宝，会比缺乏俯卧时间的宝宝更早一步学习爬步、翻身和坐立<sup>[2]</sup>!

不单如此，由于你的宝宝的头骨依然柔软，还未完全闭合。避免让她长时间仰卧，有助于避免形成偏平的头型。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="8775" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="8783" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]这么说来，什么时候以及该怎么为宝宝提供俯卧时间？

俯卧时间可以从宝宝出生2周后展开。当她清醒的时候，让她趴在干净的垫子上，或者让她趴在你的大腿约30秒到1分钟，每天练习几次。起初，她可能只是把头低下来或者试图蜷缩起来。 她也可能因为不习惯这个陌生的姿式而哭闹。如果发生这种情况，先安抚她，之后再继续练习。

随着宝宝的发育成长，你可以慢慢增加俯卧时间来帮助她发育。一般情况下，当她2个月大时，让她练习约3分钟至5分钟，每天练习好几次。随着她的成长和对动作有更好的控制，趴着的时间可增至每天10至15分钟。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]你可以把宝宝喜爱的玩具置放在她身边，让俯卧时间更添趣味性。在她的面前移动玩具到不同的方向以吸引她的注意力，鼓励她跟随玩具移动方向。当她试图接近玩具时，你也可以在她的腋窝下置放护理枕，以便为她提供更好的支撑力。

切记，请俯低身子与宝宝保持在同一水平并不断和她说话，让她知道你常伴她左右。更重要的是，让宝宝练习趴着的时候，你一定要陪同在身边，一步都不能离开。同时，在每一回合的练习之后，应给予宝宝充份的时间休息，在下一回合她才能精力充沛的参与。[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="8785" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
<h6 style="text-align: left;">参考:</h6>
<h6 style="text-align: left;"><em><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/sleep-naps-12/tummy-time">http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/sleep-naps-12/tummy-time</a></em></h6>
<h6 style="text-align: left;"><em><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> <a href="http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a25009969/tummy-time">http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a25009969/tummy-time</a></em></h6>
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