Tummy Time

Claire - posted on 12/05/2009

My son has always hated tummy time too! We tried the towel propping him up but his head just fell further to the ground. I found that using an exercise ball helps. Rest them on it with something interesting in front (the tv works for us) and support them so they don't fall off. It's worked wonders for my son.

Bronwyn - posted on 12/05/2009

I just want to add something to what I said earlier...
With the rolled up towel, it may be useful to secure the ends of the towel with rubber bands or hair elastics. The bolster helps your baby raise his neck and shoulders up for longer periods and encourages him to use his arms for support. It also offers him an enticing view of the world around him! I hope this helps.

Brooke - posted on 12/05/2009

I think that a little tummy time goes a long way. My son used to really not like it at all. But at 4 months, he is enjoying it more. Still, not his favorite, though!

Kerri-Lynn - posted on 12/05/2009

I completely relate...my daughter HATES tummy time. If I prop her on her tummy time pillow she will sometimes manage for a few minutes, but she hates being flat on the floor. Im concerned about how much she is able to lift herself from the tummy position. She holds her head up really well in the sitting position etc, its just on her tummy that it becomes a monumental effort for her. The baby books say she should be started to want to raise herself on her arms and shes not even near that yet...totally freaking me out!

Rachel - posted on 12/05/2009

Most babies don't like tummy time. My suggestion is to lay him down there for a few min. every 20 min or so and set down there and talk to him. Roll him to his back and talk and play with him. When he's on his tummy while you talk to him. Lay toys on the floor in front of him to reach for. Talk about them and laugh. Make it sound like fun.After a while he will start associating it with a good time.
Just laying a baby on the floor when they haven't spent anytime there alone doesn't sound like any fun to me either. They have to realize you are still there and you think it's fun.

Bronwyn - posted on 12/04/2009

Some things you could try are:
1. Rolling up a towel and placing it under your baby's arms as he lies on his tummy.
2. Get a small 'gym ball' and lay your baby on his tummy on the ball. Hold your baby and let him gently roll around.
3. Lay on your back, with your knees bent, and place your baby against your shins. Hold on to your baby's hands and lift him up and down with your legs.
The last 2 activities promote the development of the fluid around their ears, as well as their balance.
I'd also try to time his tummy time and try to lengthen it a little bit at a time. It's quite common for babies to dislike tummy time - poor things!

Jennifer - posted on 12/04/2009

My son is 4 mons and is the same exact way. He has a herniated belly button and it may be causing him some discomfort. Do you know if your baby has a hernia? Is you are unsure have your doctor check him out!

Shelly - posted on 12/04/2009

i agree...the doctor told me another way for them to get tummy time besides laying on the floor, is to lay on you. as long as you are laying down flat, you put them right on top of you, that is considered tummy time as well....bc they are able to use those same muscles. and it gets some good bonding time in as well. this is really good for dads to do :)

Rosa - posted on 11/29/2009

Thank you Ladies.I will try that.I just want to make sure he gets strong.

Sashell - posted on 11/29/2009

I would suggest placing him on your shoulder like Cara said. That way he can strengthen his neck muscles and be able to hold his head up. My daughter will be 4 months old on the 6th of Dec and has been holding her head for sometime now. You can also try holding him in the stomach burping postion, over your lap, maybe he will like that better? Good luck!

Cara - posted on 11/29/2009

I prop up my daughter's chest with a small pillow and dangle her favourite toys in front of her and she seems to enjoy it more. Also, I often do tummy time just by putting her on my chest while sitting in a reclined position so that she lifts her head up so that she can see over my shoulder and out the window. (She loves to stare at our shutters, so this works well everytime.)