Proper tummy time is important for your baby’s development. Recent research shows that most babies today are not getting enough tummy time, and as a result are suffering from delayed crawling and head deformities.
Two factors contribute to these issues. The first is the fact that parents are encouraged to put their babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Since studies have proven the effectiveness of this method, there is really no debate in my mind about following this campaign. The second is the fact that many babies just don’t seem to like to be on their tummies, so parents are reluctant to give them enough if any tummy time.
It is almost impossible to watch a baby cry and fuss on his tummy and not rescue him. Five minutes of fussy tummy time can seem so much longer. Here are some of the things I did with my kids to make tummy time fun and encourage them to spend as much time on their tummies as they could.
I usually got down on the floor with my baby and faced him to let him know that he was not alone. I would sing silly songs, make silly faces and talk to him.
I used a tummy time play mat that had a built in pillow made specifically for the purpose. It allowed my baby to rest a bit on the pillow in between trying to push up, without slamming his little head on to the floor. You position the baby so his chest, not head will rest on the pillow.
One thing that really seemed to work for me is when I became the tummy time mat. I would lie down on the floor and place my baby on his tummy on top of me. He always tried to lift his head up to gaze at my face.
Sometimes putting a baby safe mirror and colorful toys near him will encourage your baby to lift up or reach out while on his tummy. I encouraged my baby to become interested in the toys by shimmying them on the floor, squeezing them if they squeaked, etc.
How does your baby like tummy time?
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