Tummy time – build core strength ready for using a swing

2 min read

Pretend to go swimming at home!
- Set up a swimming pool area, perhaps with animals or toys which might want to swim too, and encourage your toddler to lie with you on their tummy then move their arms and legs pretending to swim.
- You can point out all the interesting things you ‘see’ as you swim along, perhaps a fish or even a turtle!
Sing rhymes and dance to songs which allow you to sit on the floor and rock back and forth.
- Songs that work for this include ‘Row-Row-Row Your Boat’ and ‘Rockabye Baby’ as well as even more modern classics like ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ by The Gap Band and ‘Rock the Boat' by The Hues Corporation.
Whenever they are comfortable to do so, encourage your toddler to lie on their front to play, using their arms and core strength to support their weight.
- Try moving some favourite games, like drawing or puzzles, to the floor and encouraging your toddler to lie on their front while they do them.

Using a swing takes a lot of practice, along with the ability to coordinate your legs, arms and core muscles to make the swing move.
It’s not always possible to spend lots of time near a park or swing set, so playing games like these at home will get those important core muscles strong and ready for when they can try out their skills on a swing.

When it’s safe, let your toddler play in ways that challenge their body by climbing, reaching and stretching.