How to Make Tummy Time Fun

Today's babies don't spend much time on their stomachs. Doctors now recommend babies sleep on their backs, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Many babies also sit for long periods in infant seats. But babies need to spend time on their stomachs to strengthen their abdominal and neck muscles and to prevent plagiocephaly, abnormal flattening at the back of the head. But many babies dislike tummy time, so parents avoid it. You can make tummy time more fun for both you and your baby.

Things You'll Need

  • Large blanket for the floor
  • Colorful infant toys

Instructions

    • 1

      Start tummy time as soon as possible with your baby, the American Occupational Therapy Association advises. The earlier you start, the easier it is for your baby to get comfortable with this position. Start with three to five minutes at a time and gradually increase the time until he spends 20 to 30 minutes per day on his stomach. Don't leave him in his swing or in an infant seat all day; carry him over your shoulder or hold him on your lap to prevent head flattening.

    • 2

      Provide incentive for your baby to lift her head. A tiny baby doesn't have the muscle strength to lift up her head to look at interesting things in front of her -- like colorful toys or members of her family. But by being right in front of her line of vision or by putting toys where she can see them -- arrange them in a semicircle around him -- if she just lifts her head a little, you give her a reason to develop those muscles.

    • 3

      Stay on the floor with your baby during tummy time. Rather than just plopping him on the blanket and walking away, wiggle toys in front of him, talk to him, sing or help him stay with this activity without getting bored. Rotate the toys you provide rather than putting the same things in front of him every time.

    • 4

      Put things just out of reach so she has a reason to start moving. Today's babies are sometimes slower to roll, sit up, and crawl because of decreased tummy time and weaker muscles, reports Baby Zone. Once she develops the ability to move herself forward, give her a reason to move by putting her favorite toys just beyond her grasp. As she gets stronger, move the objects further away.

    • 5

      Vary tummy-time positions. You can place your baby on his stomach on an exercise ball, holding him in place. Placing him prone on your lap also gives him the tummy time he needs, as well as the contact with you that he enjoys.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Can a mixed father and white mother have baby what will it look like?
      Its impossible to predict exactly what a baby will look like, even if you know the parents ethnicities. Heres why:* Genetics are complex: We inherit traits from both parents, and these traits are determined by thousands of genes. Theres a huge var
    • What can a baby do at 7 months?
      At 7 months, babies are rapidly developing and learning new skills every day! Here are some things your 7-month-old might be doing:Physical Development:* Sitting: Most babies can sit up independently for a short period.* Rolling: Can roll over easily
    • Traditions and Gifts for the Birth of a Muslim Child
      The birth of a child is a blessing and an occasion for thanksgiving within the Muslim home. Like other religions and cultures, the traditions in a Muslim home differ according to the background of the parents. Fortunately, it is simple to find gifts