How to encourage baby's upper body strength

[solosunflower]

Hello all.

My DS is two months old today. He's not a massive fan of tummy time. He'll lift his head a few times, then start crying. I'm attempting to encourage head control by also putting him across my lap and he'll lift his head to look around. I'm wondering how to develop his upper body strength, so that he can hold his head up, if that makes sense.....

You don't have to do anything. He'll find his own way, he's only two months 😊

Honestly I wouldn’t worry. Mine hated it, so we didn’t bother. Has hit all the milestones. There are so many things to stress about in the first few months, I wouldn’t be concerned over this.

Don’t worry about it and don’t put him through it. Which adults do you know who can’t hold their own head up???

Mine haaaaaated tummy time because he had reflux, it must have hurt him. He was really weak at first though, so I put a black and white baby book in front of him on the changing mat and he loved that. Then play mat and cushion. Oh and lying on us when we were lying on our backs. But don't worry - he's only tiny!

Thanks everyone!
Funnily enough, the last couple of days he's really come along with holding his head up high and for a good amount of time too!

If he's not enjoying tummy time, do other positions. Upright is good for head control. They often turn towards light at that age, so put some music on, stand near a window and dance in slow circles. Babies enjoy that a lot longer than tummy time! Also taking them for a walk while holding them facing forwards (rather than snuggles into chest). Recline with your knees up so baby is sitting on your tummy with their back supported by your legs. Move your arms (preferably holding a light or shiny thing) to encourage them to track.

Tummy time is quite an unnatural position for a tiny baby (ever see a mummy ape stick a tiny one face down on the floor?). For many it is uncomfortable and means they cant see you. The important thing is that they aren't spending all their time flat on their backs or strapped into things. Variety of position and motion are key.

Tummy Time was invented in the 90s. I don't know anyone who was born pre 1994 that can't operate all their body parts due to lack of Tummy Time. Don't worry about increasing your babies upper body strength, have a cup of tea and a biscuit instead.