Cheralize Scholtz has been attending SensoBaby with her children for the last four years. As an Early Years Educator, she saw the benefit in providing sensory play for her children and the benefits that come with being part of a supportive community for those early years of parenting. This year, Cheralize joins the SensoBaby team to add the value of her experiences and knowledge.
Cheralize
I hold a degree in Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase Education. In addition to studying Play, I am now an accredited Tummy Time Practitioner. The Tummy Time course was created by Carly Budd, an Occupational Therapist based in the UK. https://carlybudd.teachable.com/p/home She developed the course to change the perception of Tummy Time and encourage parents to use this position to support their baby’s development.
I have recently joined SensoBaby and we would like to give new and expectant parents the support and information needed to give their babies the best start.
The idea behind doing the Tummy Time Practitioner course was to get a better understanding on why tummy time is so important and how it really effects baby and child development.
For me, as a mom of two toddlers you hear about tummy time but don’t really understand why it’s important. My first child was born prematurely at 34 weeks. He was so small and I was always so scared doing anything with him. I did do some tummy time with him but wish I’d had all this information before he was born.
Tummy Time is a development play position for babies that has a positive impact on their development.
Benefits of Tummy Time
- Supports the development of a baby’s anatomy: promoting the natural formation of the spine, dissociation of the pelvis, and preventing flat spots on the back of the head.
- Strengthens their neck, back and core muscles. These are needed for later milestone and coordinated movements such as rolling crawling, standing and walking.
- Supports diaphragmatic function for optional breathing.
- Increases a baby’s sense of limb and joints awareness in relation to themselves and their environment which improves coordination.
- Tummy time gives a baby a different view of the world, and a chance to explore their senses in a new way. This supports their cognitive skills, problem solving skills, and visual perceptual skills.
- It is an opportunity for playful, loving interaction with a caregiver, supporting attachment and emotional health and wellbeing.
Putting it into Practice
Parents are advised to make Tummy Time part of their daily routine. Baby should be in a calm-alert state so they enjoy playful interaction. They will have relaxed limbs, they are cooing, smiling and responsive. Babies are more open and tolerant in this sensory state when all their needs are met.
A healthy baby should begin with 1 to 5 minutes of tummy time each day from birth. Build it up by adding one minute every 4 to 5 days. A typically healthy baby from 3 months should be aiming to do 60-90 minutes a day, although not in one session but in 10 mini sessions. These guidelines are for babies without additional needs but we can also provide support and information if you have a child with special needs.
Do you want to know more about Tummy Time, the different activities involved and the ways you can support your child’s development? You can contact us at info@sensobaby.co.bw. Workshops can be delivered in person or online to groups and individuals.
We’re so proud of Cheralize for becoming a Tummy Time Practitioner and can’t wait to bring all this knowledge and passion to the SensoBaby community!