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Original poster

Tummy time!

18 replies

GemmaandGrace · 28/03/2020 08:10

Good morning all, my little girl (3 months old) is really fighting tummy time and I am concerned that she isn't managing it as well as she should. Any tips? I use a special mat with a raised cushion.

OP posts:
forevercurious · 28/03/2020 08:13

DS’s favourite tummy time is when he’s looking at himself in a mirror. We also used a tummy time cushion until a couple of weeks ago, he will now do it just on the floor.

Camomila · 28/03/2020 08:14

lie down and put her on your chest and play with her like that, she's still on her front but less unfamiliar for her.

MyNameHasBeenTaken · 28/03/2020 08:15

Both my kids hated tummy time.
Leave it a week or so?

Flippyflo · 28/03/2020 08:16

Morning !!

Unfortunately I can’t empathise as my LO makes no fuss and was on tummy time from afew days old however ...

A couple of tips that my sisters have done and friends. Laying baby on you positioned on their stomach abit further down than your chest and just having a chat with them... ( so they lift there head ect

My niece didn’t like tummy time.. so my sister would pile things up for her to lay on and take things away slowly so she got lower and lower

Also warming the matt and cushions so it’s nice on her belly !

Good luck! Don’t stress remember there’s always wine !!

ZigZaggyZoo · 28/03/2020 08:17

Another one to say put baby on your chest

GoldBoo · 28/03/2020 08:17

My eldest hated it. I didn’t push it with her. She was the first of our DC to be able to hold her head up, sit up, crawl, stand and walk. The others (who quite enjoyed yummy time) took much longer. So it didn’t cause any problems.

DressingGownofDoom · 28/03/2020 08:17

Just let her be, if she doesn't like it try again in a while. She'll be fine without it.

LaurieMarlow · 28/03/2020 08:19

Lots of babies hate tummy time. To be honest, I think too much is made of it. Don’t worry too much, she’ll get it when she’s ready.

ipswichwitch · 28/03/2020 08:20

DS1 hated tummy time with a passion. Nothing made it bearable for him so frankly I gave up. He used to get in such a state he’d be sick (very refluxy prem baby). I just reclined on a chair and put him on my chest. He never crawled either. Now he’s 8 and plays for a football team so clearly lack of tummy time hasn’t affected him long term!

Stayawayfromitsmouth · 28/03/2020 08:21

Completely unnecessary. Ds1 hated tummy time and was running about by 11months. Ds2 didn't mind it but wasn't keen. Running about by 12months.
It's just something the hv gives you to do to keep you busy.
Just enjoy your baby. Start to worry if they not crawling by 1yo

lynzpynz · 28/03/2020 08:23

My DD loathed tummy time in any form, gave up eventually as she just screamed the place down till she was taken off her tummy! It's important to make sure baby isn't lying on their back or side constantly to prevent the soft head from developing a flat side but I wouldn't beat yourself up about achieving a specific quota of tummy time if baby hates it. Keep trying by all means but if they don't take to it then that's that.

My DD was walking by 9m always been desperate to stand and get in the go, didn't crawl once she was having none of it!

user3274826 · 28/03/2020 08:24

I honestly don't think it is necessary. If they don't like it I think it is cruel. They get tummy time on your chest, or in a sling. I stopped doing it after child number 2 face planted quite spectacularly and really hurt themself. Never did it with child number 3 and they were very strong and sat up early, and walked at 10 months. Certainly didn't slow any physical development. I did read that if you carry them in a sling a lot, it has all the same benefits. Make sure it is a proper ergonomic one not a narrow high street type one.

BendingSpoons · 28/03/2020 08:26

I did it combined with baby massage at the beginning.

Original poster
GemmaandGrace · 28/03/2020 15:34

Thank you so very much everyone! X

OP posts:
cockcrowfarm · 28/03/2020 19:27

My baby is only seven months old so I can only tell you my experience so far. We didn't do tummy time untill she was about six months old then she suddenly quite enjoyed it. I also don't really think it's necessary as long as the baby is in different positions and not just lying on their back. Mine has been sitting perfectly since five months old and can stand up and bounce holding on to something so I'm happy with her progress. I attribute most of the strength to carrying her in a baby bjorn every day from birth to five months.

Neverender · 28/03/2020 19:31

Mine hated it

Neverender · 28/03/2020 19:32

(She's three and fine btw)

Fluffymulletstyle · 28/03/2020 21:19

Tummy time is important for babies to develop head control and strength in shoulder girdles. It helps facilitate crawling which consolidates above skills too. It has links to shoulder stability later on for things like handwriting. It doesn't really link to walking. Soo it's important, but not the end of the world. Most babies aren't keen on it.

Ideas to try:

Lie baby on your chest
Use a rolled blanket under their chest and help bring their arms forwards.
Use a sling/ baby carrier
Carry baby in tiger in the tree position
Loads of time in free play on the floor
Encourage them to roll- they will get to their tummy themselves in time
Avoid using jumperoos/ baby sit in walkers

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