What if my baby hates tummy time?

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What if my baby does not like to be on his tummy?

Parents start to hear about the benefits of tummy time even before the birth of their baby. When the baby comes and is ready for his tummy time, you will understand the real struggle. Some nice babies understand the mission and spend their time without a cry. In most cases, having tummy time and keeping the baby are two goals that cannot be combined. If the baby is on his tummy he is not happy. If he is happy, he has skipped his tummy time.

Although tummy time is not embraced by the babies, we have to make them stay on their tummies at least for few minutes a day. There are many benefits that tummy time brings to a growing baby. Tummy time is also a great bonding moment between the baby and the parents. If your baby does not like to be on his tummy, there are few tips that can make him love his tummy time. I will share all those tips with you through this article.

CONTENT

1.   Why is tummy time important?

2.   How can I make my baby like the tummy time?

3.   Tips for a peaceful tummy time

1.    Why is tummy time important?

Tummy time will not be a fun experience for your baby, at least until he has the strength to lift his head and look around. But, there are many benefits that tummy time can offer your baby.

The newborns spend most of their day on their back. Research has revealed that sleeping on the tummy increases the risk of SIDS. So, babies will be put to sleep on their backs. Then, they spend the daytime on their back in baby swings or bouncers when they are not in the arms of a parent. When the baby is put on a supervised tummy time, his muscles that do not exercise while been on the back will flex. 

Being on the tummy helps the babies to strengthen their neck and upper body muscles. If your baby has strong upper body muscles he will soon get the ability to hold his head upright. Improved muscular strength will also help him learn to sit up and crawl. The babies who have regular tummy times tend to roll over and sit up by themselves sooner.

Tummy time is a solution for your gassy baby. Burping alone cannot release all the gas trapped in your baby’s tummy. When you let your baby be on his tummy, it will be like a gentle massage that helps to release excess gas.

2.    How can I make my baby like the tummy time?

Start short

If your baby does not like to be on his tummy, start by allowing him to be on his tummy for a minute or two. Then turn him around and let him be in a position that he likes. Repeat these steps while extending the time he is on his tummy. You can start with a five minutes tummy time session and eventually increase the duration.

Offer distractions

Place few toys before your baby during tummy time. These toys should not be the old toys that your baby has lost interest in. Offer toys that evoke curiosity and make him forget that he is on his tummy doing something he does not like to do.

Skin-to-skin

Skin-to-skin is not only for newborns. If you and your baby are comfortable doing skin-to-skin, you can let it be his tummy time. Position yourself at a forty-five-degree angle so both you and your baby can see each other. Gently massage and talk to him while he exercises his upper body muscles.

What if my baby hates tummy time?

Lap

Let your baby lay on your lap during his tummy time. This is one of the recommended positions for burping too. Therefore, you can expect a burp or two during the baby’s tummy time on your lap. To make the tummy time more fun, you can slowly sway your legs and rock the baby. 

Support

Your baby might hate tummy time because it is uncomfortable for him. Before they gain strength to hold their head up, babies have their face down when put on tummy. It is definitely a position that will not please a baby.

Keep a folded or rolled towel running through his armpits. Do not forget to place the baby’s hands on either side of the body to make the pushing up easier. If your baby has GERD, it is better to provide support as lying flat on his tummy will not be comfortable.

Make it comfortable

Do not make your baby lie on the hard and cold floor of your room. Use a play mat or a yoga mat to make the surface soft and comfortable. But, you should not let your baby have his tummy time on a too fluffy surface either. It will reduce the benefits of the tummy times as well increasing the safety risks.

Birthing ball

Take out that birthing ball that you never used after giving birth. Spread a blanket on the birthing ball and sit with the ball in front of you. Move the baby back and forth and to the sides while holding him tightly. Sing to your baby or just talk gently to get his attention.

Lie with your baby

Your baby loves to be around you. If you become closer to him, he will not hate tummy time much. Lie next to your baby and play with him. Role modeling is the best way to teach new skills to your baby. If you want him to learn rolling over, do it and show him.

3.    Tips for a peaceful tummy time

Do not put your baby on his tummy when he is hungry or full. If you put your well-fed full baby on his tummy, he might spit up and will hate it more.

Do not worry about the time your baby spends on his tummy. Let him do his best each day and gradually increase the duration.

You can let your baby on his tummy during diaper changes and baby massages, and they count as tummy time.

If your baby is crying and resisting being on his tummy, never force him to do that. Try tummy time only when he is in a good mood.

If your baby is rolling over to the side continuously, keep him rolling back to the tummy again. He needs more muscular strength to learn to sit up and to stand.

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