Infant Physical Development & Fitball Guide

1. Tummy Time Progression: Building Core & Neck Strength

Tummy time is the single most important exercise for infants. It prevents positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome), strengthens neck and back extensors, and prepares the shoulder girdle for crawling:

• 0–1 Month: Chest-to-chest with parent reclined back at a 45-degree angle. 1–2 minutes after diaper changes.
• 2–3 Months: On a firm playmat with a small rolled towel under the chest. Propping up on forearms for 5–10 minutes, 3 times a day.
• 4–6 Months: Pushing up onto fully extended open hands, rocking on belly (airplane pose), and pivoting in circles to reach toys.

2. Safe Fitball (Gym Ball) Exercises for Infants

3. Helping Your Baby Learn to Roll Over

Babies typically learn to roll from tummy to back first (around 3–5 months), and back to tummy around 4–6 months. To guide them naturally without pulling their limbs:

• Place baby on their back. Bend one leg at the knee and gently guide the knee across the body toward the floor.
• Wait for the baby to engage their head and shoulder to complete the roll autonomously. Never pull on the arm!