Tummy time | Tākai

Why do it?

Spending brief amounts of time on their tummy will strengthen baby’s neck and shoulders and upper body.

Lying tummy-to-tummy can be more comfortable for baby than lying on the floor.
If baby is on the floor, try rolling up a towel and lying baby with the towel under their arms. This can help keep their head up and their legs down.
Put a stand-up black and white book where they can see it. Instruction for making one are in the activity list too.
A mirror stood up in front of baby when they’re on the floor also helps to make this activity more interesting.
Try lying down beside them so you can talk to them face to face and pat their back.
Frequent short sessions will work best.

Ngā mahi a pēpi	Play for baby
Wā tākaro	Playtime
Haere mai ki te whāriki	Come over to the mat
Takoto mai nei	Lie down here

Papa	Floor or flat surface
Owhaowha	To roll over - used when baby first rolls over
Tāpapa	Lie (face down)

Ūpoko	Head
Kakī	Neck
Pakihiwi	Shoulders
Puku	Tummy
Tuarā	Back

Puku ki te puku	Tummy to tummy
Kanohi ki te kanohi	Face to face
He wā poto	A short time

Whakaata	Mirror/reflection
Titiro ki te whakaata	Look in the mirror

Kei hea te pēpi?	Where is baby?
Nā, he ātaahua koe	You look beautiful
Kei hea māmā?	Where's mum?

Titiro mai pēpi	Look here baby
Ka menemene koe?	Are you smiling?

Titiro ki te pukapuka	Look at the book
Kei hea te porowhita	Where is the circle?

Kia kaha	Be strong
Kia tūpato	Be careful

Ka pai	Good, well done
Ka mau te wehi	That's amazing