Tummy time refers to laying your baby on their stomach, under supervision, during the day while they are awake. It is very important for the growth and development of the baby as it lays the basis for babies to learn to crawl and then walk. It strengthens their core, neck and head muscles which enable them to learn the skills necessary for rolling over, sitting up, crawling and walking. As experts recommend putting babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), so, babies spend a lot of their time on their backs.
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Tummy time gives your baby an opportunity to try out a new position and prevent them from getting flat spots on their head. You should introduce tummy time soon after you are home from the hospital as a fun part of the baby’s daily routine. Start with 1-2 minutes a few times a day and then gradually increase the time as the baby grows. You may begin with placing them across your lap on their stomach and as baby grows stronger, you can place them on a blanket or mat on the floor. Some babies hate tummy time because of reflux at first, but if you show them how fun it can be, they will learn to enjoy this.
Following the tips given below will help you get your baby to like tummy time.
1. Lie down with your baby side by side or face to face (whatever you prefer) on a comfortable surface. Then entice your baby by talking to them or by showing them exciting toys and how to play with them by moving side by side. This will encourage the baby to move their head. Make sure the toys you use are safe and age-appropriate for the baby.
2. Try changing the location for tummy time. Changing the view will make them curious, and they will want to explore their new surroundings. You can also take them outdoors during a nice and warm weather for tummy time. Just place a mat in your yard and lay down with your baby.
3. Hold a mirror in front of them during this time, it will make them curious about their reflection and make them want to reach out towards it. Remember to use a nonbreakable mirror.
4. Lay them on their stomach and massage their back while you do so. Some babies really enjoy a good back massage. See if it works in getting your baby to like tummy time.
5. Have someone else try giving the baby tummy time if you have exhausted all the methods you have because sometimes babies can sense the pressure you are feeling.
6. If your baby cries on the floor, then you can use some different positions such as:
- Try holding them in your arms on their belly while you walk around the house.
- Lie down on your back, place the baby tummy down on your chest and talk to them face to face.
- After each feed when it is time to burp, place the baby on your lap, tummy side down and gently pat their back.
7. You can use a pillow to prop their head up and away from the floor. A nursing pillow such as the boppy pillow is your best friend when it comes to tummy time. Put a tightly rolled-up blanket under their arms may also get the job done.
8. Put baby books on the floor and tell them a story by flipping through the pages exaggeratedly. Babies like to stare at human faces, so a book with human faces may do the trick.
9. Take out your yoga or exercise ball and place your baby on top, tummy down (place a blanket on the ball to make it comfortable for them). While keeping a firm hand on them so they don’t slip from the ball, gently roll backward, forward and side to side and even bounce a little. This will make your baby think of tummy time as a fun activity, and it may even stop some tummy time tears.
10. Play an airplane with your baby. Lie on your back with your knees up towards your chest. Hold your baby facing you with their tiny body on your shins. Let her arms lie against your legs and hold her chest safely against your legs and then make funny airplane sounds and pretend your baby is flying. This requires your baby to have good head control. So, wait for 2 months before starting this activity. Also, this can cause a baby to spit up, so don’t try this when the baby has just finished their meal.
11. If your baby still seems to hate tummy time and cries the moment you place them on their belly even though you have tried all the tricks possible, one alternative you can try is, wear your baby in a carrier (facing inward on your chest). It also helps strengthen neck and core muscles.
Tummy time is all about bonding and playing with your little one, strengthening core, head and neck muscles are just the additional benefits of it. Your baby will let you know when they are ready for it. It isn’t necessary to have several 5-10 minute sessions of tummy time like feeding and napping.
These are just guidelines, even if your baby enjoys just 30 seconds of tummy time several times a day, then go for it. Don’t force them to endure it more than they can. If they cry, pick them up and cuddle them. Don’t let them cry on for 5 minutes straight, this way they will associate negative feelings with tummy time and will come to strongly detest it.
Remember, it will get better once the baby learns a bit of head and neck control. You can try to get your baby to like tummy time and if this yields even 1 minute of tummy time without crying, then consider it a success. Just keep in mind that even if all else fails, if your baby is exposed to a variety of positions and interactions throughout the day i.e. spending time out of the bouncer and car seat, playing with you, and getting to look around and explore new things then he is good to go; no need to force him.
