Tackling Tummy Time
I was really worried about tummy time when we first brought Peanut home! I second guessed how long I did it, what time of day, how often, and what he was laying on. I was especially worried about Peanut hating being on his tummy and never learning to lift his head because he would cry so much! It felt like torture for both of us, but IT GOT BETTER!
- Do tummy time with you baby! Lay on the couch or floor and face them so you can talk to them right at their level.
- Play fun, upbeat music that you only play at this time. Your baby will recognize it and enjoy listening to it!
- Give your baby a mirror– this was the one we used and Peanut still loves it!
- Show your baby special high desired music or light up toys, move them slowly so baby learns to focus on them. Peanut started turning his head during tummy time to see one of his favorite toys, Beat Bo
- Use a lovey blanket for the baby to lay on so a stuffed animal will be close for the baby to focus on, look at, or touch. It is nice to use a lovey blanket because the animal is attached and can’t get pushed further away from the baby. This is our favorite blanket!!
- Tell your baby a story- of course in your captivating baby story telling voice, but reminisce about a favorite vacation or funny memory.
- Cheer your baby on, literally! “You’re alright you’re ok, you’re going to lift your head someday!” “1, 2, 3, 4 yay tummy time on the floor!” “5, 6, 7, 8 keep going you’re doing great!”
- Do tummy time before a very desired activity like eating or playing outside so the completion of tummy time can be celebrated!
Have fun with it! If you are having fun, your baby will have fun too! We all know how important tummy time is but we also know how hard it is to see your baby cry when they struggle with it.
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