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Parenting

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Original poster

Newborn “play”

9 replies

redxlondon · 13/02/2024 16:08

I just read that even from a few days old I should be introducing “tummy time” play.

My newborn only seems to sleep and breastfeed. Some breastfeeding sessions last 40 minutes and then he’s asleep.

I’m worrying he should be more alert … and that I’m not doing enough with him.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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babygonewild · 13/02/2024 16:23

Oh gosh don't worry about it, it's all so OTT.

You'll know when it seems appropriate to do actual 'tummy time'.

Even just having baby on your chest counts, anything where they have to lift their heads a bit.

Just to make you feel better my second baby has probably done about a collective hour of tummy time and she's now 6mo(and fine). Just haven't had the time for it!

Namechangetohidemyevilness · 13/02/2024 16:24

just talk, sing, rock etc, that is all play

Danikm151 · 13/02/2024 16:27

Tummy time can literally be baby lying on your chest on their tummy.

talk to them when feeding, changing nappies, getting them dressed. All of that is stimulating for them

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MumMumMumMumMumMumMum · 13/02/2024 16:27

Oh christ dont worry about. As long as you don't leave the baby laying on their back all the time this tummy time nonsense is really all overrated! As per PP even holding them on your chest counts! Just enjoy the baby time. ☺️

vodkaredbullgirl · 13/02/2024 16:29

They just eat, poop and sleep. How old?

fourelementary · 13/02/2024 16:31

Carrying them in a wrap counts as tummy time as does them sleeping on your chest… don’t worry!

buckingmad · 13/02/2024 16:31

Mine is 6 weeks and I’ve done zero tummy time and her head control is great. Are you breastfeeding? I’ve found she essentially does tummy time bobbing around trying to find my nipple.

CurlewKate · 13/02/2024 16:37

Tummy time wasn't a "thing" when mine were little-I'd love to see some peer reviewed evidence that it's essential!

But anyway- if you carry the baby in a front carrier, that, I have read, counts as "tummy time"

Thelazygardener · 14/02/2024 13:56

I stressed for so long about tummy time and doing what I thought I ‘should’ be doing. My LO absolutely hated tummy time! Hardly had any on the floor but always had good head control. I was stressing about him learning to roll or being behind but one day he just did at about 6 months. He’s 7 months now and I’ve just watched him flip himself over 9 times laughing to himself and wonder what I ever worried about.

I can remember my Nan looking at me like I had two heads when I explained tummy time to her and she quite rightly pointed out that she doesn’t know of any adults that can’t walk because they didn’t get tummy time. It was a bit of a lightbulb moment…

i think they are just happy being chatted to, narrate your activities, let them lie in the clean laundry pile and feel the fabric as you fold clothes, things like that. For playing I must say my best investment was an emergency foil blanket….he had HOURS of entertainment as a tiny baby lying on it and crinkling it with his hands and feet.

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