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Each of my daughters have had completely different experiences. My first baby loved being on her stomach and spent the majority of time there. My second baby absolutely hated it for the first 4 months of her life and has only just recently started to like it.
This caused me to learn a lot of different ways to keep her entertained during these sessions. I had to get creative and try many different things, but now she loves it and spends the majority of her time on her stomach.
Why Tummy Time Matters
This practice helps build and strengthen your baby’s neck and arm muscles. These muscles are then used to sit up, crawl, and so on. They are essentially developing the building blocks to meet their motor milestones. It also helps prevent flat spots on your baby’s head.
When and How to Start
You can start this activity on day one for just a few minutes and then gradually increase as your baby gets older. You can work up to 20-30 minutes a day by the time they’re 2 months. This time can be split into shorter sessions. If your baby starts to get fussy, you can change positions or take a break. Every little bit helps!
Easy Ways to Make it Fun
- Use a soft surface- more comfortable on their bellies
- Tummy to tummy- lay baby on your chest
- Get on their level- they will love to look at you or a sibling
- Use support- put a rolled-up towel under their armpits or use something like a Boppy Pillow
- Use toys- keep them entertained and distracted
- Make it part of your routine- doing it consistently can make them more used to doing it
Best Toys and Products
- Tummy Time Mats
- Mirror
- High Contrast Cards
- Soft Rattles
- Crinkle Toys
- Tummy Time Pillow
- Play Gym
- Musical Toys
Tummy time toys we use and love:
- Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother
- Tummy Time Mirror
- Boppy pillow
- Melissa and Doug Ocean Tummy Time Triangle
- Infantino Prop-A-Pillar Tummy Time & Seated Support
Things you can use that you find at home:
- Foil
- Stuffed animal
- Books
- Zip Lock Bag with water and toys
- Bright colored fabric
- Rolled up towel or blanket to prop baby up
Tummy time doesn’t have to be perfect every time. My baby didn’t tolerate it well at first, and we’d barely make it through a minute before the fussing started. But with patience and consistency, those short sessions gradually turned into longer, happier ones. Now, tummy time is one of her favorite parts of the day! Even if your baby only lasts a minute or two, that’s okay.
Celebrate those small wins, be patient, and try again later. With time and encouragement, your baby will grow stronger and more confident every day.
Resource & more info at: https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/tummy-time
Check out my resource page for a Tummy Time Tips free download here.
