thread: Is "Tummy Time" essential ... cause my baby HATES it!

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Feb 2008
    Near the Snowies!
    2,975

    I never really did much tummy time with DD either. She learned to roll fairly quickly and was able to hold her head up quickly too so I don't think a lack of tummy time did much to disadvantage her! I'd probably be more worried about flat spots than not reaching physical developmental milestones, so if her head is looking fine I wouldn't stress too much.

    Can you carry her over your arms so she is facing down? Another mum I know used to lay their bub on a footstool in front of the tv (not ideal I know, but it kept her entertained for a few minutes and she kind of forgot she was on her tummy). Or you could probably just carry her around in a semi-upright position (change to an upright position once she can hold her head up properly) just so she isn't lying on her back all the time.

    will she lie on her side at all? Maybe try that and just pop her on her tummy for a few seconds then roll her back to get her used to it.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Brissy
    2,208

    Both mine hated tummy time at first - but then I was given a fabulous tip!
    Roll up a wrap or even a tea towel, and place it just under your bubs chest, with their arms forward. This supports them a bit - and makes it easier for them. I swear by this now - it worked with both my girls
    But start with just a minute or so at a time, then as they get better at it they enjoy it more.
    If she really struggles with it though - I wouldn't worry. Dont push it, just try again next week!

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Perth,WA
    2,942

    My DS hated it too....so I used to lay him on his tummy on my chest as often as I could It was the best bonding ever!!

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    Melbourne
    4,031

    DS2 and DD hated tummy time. I never pushed it and they have developed fine. DD has only just started liking it for a little be as she can now roll onto her tummy only for now and can get a good look at the boys at play. Curiosity will get the better of them end and they will just start to like it all of a sudden. Minimax has given a great tip with the tummy on the chest!
    Robyn Barker's Baby Love is a fantastic book, it's very practical.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    Melbourne
    2,732

    I never did the converntional tummy time but rather "tummy on mummy" time. I would slouch back on the couch and have my boys on my chest. Naturally they would try to list their heads to look at me and eventually paw at my face, but being on me have them a comfy feeling and it was a lovely way to have cuddles AND get their necks strong as well. Also, when they got tired and slumped forward, landlong on my chest/shoulder was softer for them than the floor.

    I used to do this whenever I watched telly or just felt like hanging out with my babies.

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Member
    Add ~MummaBear~ on Facebook

    Sep 2009
    Bunbury WA
    804

    Jsut thought i would add
    when i said that i thnk tummy time is importnant i didnt just mean laying on the floor tummy time... just some time not laying on their back iykwim...
    the tummy on mummy is a great idea!!!

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Dec 2009
    605

    Have you tried tummy time on a fit ball?

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    Newcastle, NSW
    4,219

    My ECHN told me that tummy on mummy time was just as good as tummy time on the floor. All my kids have done tummy on mummy time until it was obvious that they would like it on the floor. All my kids have crawled at or before 6 months, with Anelise (my most recent) crawling at 5 months.
    Last edited by Lisa; May 21st, 2010 at 11:54 PM.