18 week old tummy time/ rolling

[albazavi]

Has anybody had an experience of this seeming regression in development.

18 week old has never enjoyed tummy time at all. A couple of weeks ago he seemed to get the hang of it, pushing himself up well and learnt to roll front to back.

Didn't do it very often and was hit and miss on his belly still. But still could hold himself up well and roll when happy.

He's been poorly with a virus and very clingy in the last week, so wouldn't go down in his gym at all let alone on his belly.

Since, every time I put him on his belly he scream bloody murder and will not use his arms to push himself up. Back to newborn cheek on floor, but also tugging at ear (even when just had an hour and a half nap).

Any advice for how to progress? Is it best to keep trying through the screams, or give it a break for a few days, or go back to the tummy time support toys (which never seemed to help well).

Other development is strong- pulling forward to sit well with support. Loves being on feet just not on belly!

[Phillipa12]

Not every baby likes being on their tummy. Only one of my four liked tummy time, the others hated it with a passion, they all liked being upright. It never delayed any developement either.

[albazavi]

Thanks philippe, he's so active otherwise I haven't worried too much!

[skankingpiglet]

Do you think he might have an ear infection? Very common in babies, and if he's been ill recently and now is pulling his ear it's a possibility. It'd throw his balance out too which could be why he's reluctant to push up.

[mintybluemoo]

My DD is 16 weeks - hates tummy time and can't roll yet. Seems to like sitting (supported) and holds her head up well. She also loves bouncing on her feet if someone is holding her.

No advice, just wanted to reassure you that you are not alone!

[bummedmummy]

Just stop doing it. you are allowed to trust your baby and to parent by instinct. Your baby hates it and you don't enjoy making him do it. Being forced on to your tummy in an uncomfortable position you can't get out of must be quite awful - no wonder he screams. Google "the case against tummy time" on the Janet Lansbury blog for a very different perspective on this practice.

[Alliswellihope43]

My 19 week old hated tummy time
And he's been so close to rolling over for nearly 6 weeks now
He can actually do it he's just lazy
Every baby develops differently
Don't worry about it X

[albazavi]

Thanks all, you've reassured me. I was worried because he had some swellings on the back of his head/neck but asked at the doctors today at there's no problem. So nothing physical that's hurting him.

bummed will look at that link thank you. I never did tummy time everyday because I couldn't see the benefit of having 5 minutes every day when he's stressed and screaming!

His dad never crawled and went straight to walking at 10 months so think he might be the same for him!

[PlanBwastaken]

The OTmama blog has some great tips for tummy time, check it out! It is important, unfortunately - mine hated it too, but at least it won't go on forever.