Do you have a little one at home who hates tummy time?
If so, you’re not alone!
Many babies resist this important activity, but it’s crucial for their development. A lot of new parents don’t realize how important tummy time is for their baby’s development. Without enough tummy time, your baby can end up with a flat head, or worse- developmental delays.
We’ve written this guide to help you make tummy time more enjoyable for your baby. We’ve included tips on how to get your baby to like tummy time, as well as exercises that will help your baby develop strong muscles and a healthy spine.
My Baby Hates Tummy Time
If your baby hates tummy time, you’re probably wondering what to do. First of all, don’t worry! It’s perfectly normal for babies to resist this activity. Here are a few tips to make tummy time more enjoyable for your little one:
- Make it fun! Tummy time doesn’t have to be boring. Play music, sing songs, or read books to your baby while they’re on their stomach.
- Get down on the floor with your baby. This will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
- Use a mirror. Babies love looking at themselves, and this will give them something interesting to focus on.
- Make it interactive. Get your baby to reach for toys or books that are placed just out of their reach.
- Take breaks. If your baby starts to get frustrated, take a break and try again later.
What is tummy time?
Tummy time is an important activity for babies. It helps them develop strong muscles and a healthy spine. It’s also crucial for their development and can help prevent problems like a flat head or developmental delays.
Why is Tummy Time Important?
There are many benefits to tummy time for babies. Some of the most important include:
- Strong muscles: Tummy time helps babies develop strong muscles in their neck and back muscles, and stomach muscles. This is crucial for their development, and can help prevent problems like a flat head or developmental delays.
- A healthy spine: Tummy time helps babies develop a strong spine. This is important for their overall health and development.
- Cognitive development: Tummy time helps babies develop cognitive skills, including problem solving and memory skills.
- Motor skills: Tummy time helps babies improve their motor skills, including coordination and balance and push and pull skills.
When should babies start tummy time?
Most babies should start tummy time around two or three months old. If your baby is resistant to tummy time, however, don’t worry! You can start later- just make sure they get enough tummy time eventually. Make it a routine when they awake so they expect some time rolling on their belly. Putting them on their belly with their arms outstretched whilst talking to them and watching them experts agree is great for kids development!
Time spent building their core muscles can be just three to five minutes and can be done at diaper change time. Make sure only safe objects are within their grasp and when they are face down nothing can impede their breathing.
How much tummy time should my baby do?
Babies should get at least 20 minutes of tummy time per day. If your baby is resistant to tummy time, start with five or ten minutes and work up to 20 minutes gradually.
How to do tummy time?
There are a few different ways to do tummy time: with your baby on their back, on their stomach, or in a seated position. You can also use props like a Boppy pillow or rolled-up towel to give your baby some extra support. When you’re starting out, aim for at least three short sessions per day.
If your baby hates tummy time, start out slowly by doing just a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time your baby spends on their stomach. You can also try different positions and use props to make it more comfortable for them. And don’t forget to praise your little one when they do well!
Tummy time by age
Tummy time can be difficult to start with but quickly a child will learn how to lift his head and chest and roll, and tummy time will be a regular part of their regular activities.
- 0- to- three months: do short sessions, three times a day. Leave baby tummy down on their blanket.
- Four to six months: start doing longer sessions, five to ten minutes at a time
- Seven to eight months: gradually increase the amount of time babies spend on their stomach, until they’re spending most of their playtime in this position.
When should I stop doing tummy time?
You can stop doing tummy time when your baby is able to stay in this position comfortably for extended periods of time. This usually happens around seven or eight months, but it varies from child to child. As your baby gets older, they’ll continue to reap the benefits of tummy time. So keep at it!
Why does your babies hate tummy time?
Babies hate tummy time for a variety of reasons. Maybe they feel uncomfortable and unsupported, or maybe they just don’t know what to do with themselves.
As your baby gets older, they’ll become more comfortable in this position and will be able to do things like lift their head up and reach for objects. Until then, it’s up to you to help them get the most out of tummy time!
Baby’s don’t like new experiences at first, like how babies hate hats or babies hate wearing shoes at first. It’s just a case of getting them used to it with patience and a few other tips. When they get older they will have these same reactions to new experiences, like how some babies hate haircuts. It’s all just part of being a parent!
Tips When Your Baby Cries in Tummy Time
In order to encourage tummy time to be a pleasant experience try the following:
- Start out slowly by doing just a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time your baby spends on their stomach.
- Try different positions and use props to make it more comfortable for them.
- Don’t forget to praise your little one when they do well!
- Put them on a soft blanket for two to three sessions a day.
- When baby cries leave them for a little while to see if they subsids.
Provide entertainment – a few toys
Give your baby some toys to play with while they’re on their stomach.
- Turn on some music or sing a song to them.
- Give them toys or a mirror to see themselves.
- Let them watch you do chores around the house.
- Leave a few toys for them to play with near baby’s chest.
- An exercise ball within reach for them to grasp
- Funny faces will keep babies highly amused
Keep your baby company
- Sit next to your baby while they’re doing tummy time right down at eye level for them, you can lie next to them to keep them company.
- Talk to them and make faces.
- Sing a song or read them a story.
- Play with their toes or fingers.
- Rub their back or gently pat their stomach.
- Make it fun!
- A different perspective is always good for babies and much better than being cooped up in a bouncy seat.
Is it normal for babies to scream during tummy time?
Some babies cry during tummy time, while others never seem to mind it. It’s completely normal for your baby to hate this position at first. Just be patient and keep trying – eventually, they’ll get used to it! It’s vital to build their upper body strength and unless you think they are in actual pain, it is good for them!
At what age do babies start liking tummy time?
Most babies are able to do tummy time on their own by seven months old. Some may be able to do it sooner, while others may not be ready until they’re a bit older. Some just see it as part of their routine!
What happens if you don’t do tummy time?
If you don’t do belly time, your baby may not be able to move as easily and they may have trouble with coordination and balance. They may also find it harder to crawl or walk later on in life. So make sure to include a few minutes of tummy time with a toy or two into your day!
