4 ideas for no-floor, less fussy tummy time
Tummy time builds the muscles and coordination needed for rolling over, crawling, reaching, and playing. If your baby seems to be getting tired or starts crying, it’s time for a break.
Check out these ideas for how to do tummy time if your baby isn’t loving the floor:
Tummy time on a table
Closely supervise your baby (with a hand on their back or very close by) doing tummy time on the counter or table. They might be more willing if you are face-to-face and they get a different view of the room.
On your chest
Put your baby on your chest on their tummy, facing you, and softly talk to them to try to encourage them to lift their head. By two and a half months, your baby will likely be able to lift their head up enough so that they can see a little ahead of them (but not yet straight ahead).
On your thighs
Put your baby on your thighs, belly-down, and gently rub their back. If you raise one of your legs higher than the other, they will be able to see a little more. Show them a high-contrast image and slowly move it upward to encourage them to lift their head.
Use an exercise ball
Try gently rolling your baby back and forth on an exercise ball. You may need to give it a couple of tries, as this kind of movement is a new feeling for your baby! Read our tummy time FAQs for expert advice on common tummy time concerns.
Lovevery is now offering Parent Courses! Get more information on “Baby’s Best Tummy Time.”
The Charmer Play Kit
The Charmer Play Kit is designed to let your 3 – 4 month old baby explore with their mouth, eyes, and hands as their personality emerges and their social awareness grows.
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Parent Courses: Baby’s Best Tummy Time
Expert Rachel Coley, MS, OT/L leads our Baby’s Best Tummy Time course to answers your top questions to make this critical activity happy and stress-free.
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Posted in: 0 - 12 Weeks, 3 - 4 Months, Tummy Time, Gross Motor, Real World Play, Child Development
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Tummy time milestones by month
For a clear idea of positions and movements your baby may try from the earliest days of tummy time to the last, check out this illustrated month-by-month tummy time guide.