Tummy time is a simple activity that has a huge impact on your baby’s development. But what should you do if your little one protests or gets upset every time you try it? First and foremost, don’t worry. Many babies initially dislike tummy time, but with the right approach, you can make it a fun activity for your baby.

In this post, we’ll share why tummy time is so important, offer tips to make it fun, and explain when it might be time to reach out to our experts at Let’s Communicate for additional support.

Why Is Tummy Time So Important?

Tummy time is a foundational activity that gives your baby a chance to practice vital skills they’ll use their entire life. While they were in mom’s belly, they were curled up in the fetal position. Aside from little kicks, your baby didn’t get the opportunity to build their muscle strength and coordination. 

Now that they’re out in the world, there’s so much they can do! But first, they need a little exercise. That’s what tummy time is for. It’s an exercise that helps babies reach their developmental milestones by:

  • Developing Strength: Lying on their stomach builds the muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, back, and belly, all of which are essential for rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.
  • Building Motor Skills: Tummy time supports motor development by helping babies learn how to move and control their bodies.
  • Preventing Flat Head Syndrome: Babies who lie on their backs all the time can develop flat spots on their head. Tummy time gives them a chance to alleviate this pressure on their heads and prevent this condition from happening.

6 Simple Tips for Encouraging Tummy Time

If your baby isn’t a fan of tummy time, try these expert tips to make it more enjoyable:

1. Start Slow and Keep it Short

Begin with 1-2 minutes of tummy time done a few times per day. As your baby gets more comfortable, you can increase the length of tummy time by a few minutes each session. Just remember that even 1–2 minutes can make a big difference at the start.

2. Get Down on Their Level

Babies love to see their parents! Lie down in front of your baby during tummy time and talk to them, sing, play Peek-a-Boo, or do other funny things to hold their attention. You can even do tummy time by having the baby lie on your chest.

3. Use a Mirror

Place a baby-safe mirror in front of your little one during tummy time. Babies are naturally curious about their reflections, and this can encourage them to lift their head and look around.

4. Incorporate Their Favorite Toys

Position toys within your baby’s reach to keep them entertained. Brightly colored, textured, or noisy toys can capture their attention and motivate them to reach out and explore.

5. Use a Rolled Towel Under Their Chest

You can roll up a towel and place it under your baby’s chest to give them support and make tummy time a little easier and more comfortable. This can help babies who are just starting out or who have trouble lifting their heads.

6. Be Patient and Persistent

It’s normal for babies to fuss or resist tummy time at first. Stay consistent and try to make it a positive experience. Over time, most babies become more comfortable and start to enjoy tummy time.

When to Seek Professional Support

If your baby consistently resists tummy time or struggles with motor development, you may want to reach out to our pediatric physical therapists. Our experienced team specializes in helping babies reach their developmental milestones, and we can help address the challenges your baby is facing with tummy time.

Signs your baby may benefit from a physical therapy evaluation include:

  • Persistent difficulty lifting their head.
  • Trouble rolling over or delayed motor milestones.
  • Crying excessively during tummy time despite your efforts to make it fun.

Let’s Help Your Baby Thrive!

At Let’s Communicate, we’re here to support your baby’s growth and development. Our pediatric physical therapists will work with you to help make tummy time more fun for your baby so they can achieve all of their milestones with confidence.

Give us a call at (678) 963-0694 to schedule an evaluation today and let’s work together to help your baby thrive!