Pediatricians recommend 30 minutes of daily, supervised tummy time because tummy time is instrumental in helping a baby to learn how to sit up, crawl, roll over, and even stand. Tummy time can also prevent the back of your baby’s head from becoming flat (i.e. positional plagiocephaly).

Parents should begin introducing their babies to tummy time from day one. However, this can be tricky since many babies are used to lying on their backs, especially during sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS. Many babies are often fussy until he or she gets used to the feeling of being on his or her tummy. That’s why moms need to be creative in introducing tummy time to their baby.

Here are some tips for introducing your baby to tummy time.

1. Use your lap to start.

Start by laying your newborn on his or her tummy across your lap two or three times a day for a few minutes. As your baby grows stronger, place him or her on a blanket on the floor after a diaper change or nap. Arrange age-appropriate toys within his or her reach. As your baby gets used to tummy time, place your baby on his or her stomach more frequently or for longer periods of time.

2. Use a soft floor pillow.

Once your baby is 3 to 4 months old and has some control of his or her head, tummy time is more pleasant for baby if he or she is not on a cold, hard surface. You want a pillow with raised sides to support your baby and encourage mobility. Additionally, the soft, padded center helps baby feel cuddled and once baby is strong enough to sit, his or her head will be protected no matter which way he or she falls.

3. Use a mirror or toys to entertain baby.

To keep baby’s attention during tummy time, you can use toys and other props to try and keep baby’s head up. Place a mirror in front of your baby and watch as he makes funny faces and laughs at himself in the mirror. You can also sing to baby or play peekaboo to keep him entertained.

4. Place baby on an exercise ball.

Introducing baby to tummy time on an exercise ball will be even more fun and enjoyable for him. Place baby tummy down on the exercise ball and gently roll him back and forth. Try changing the angle at which baby is on the ball for a more comfortable or more challenging experience.

5. Start early, but go slow.

It’s never too early to start baby with tummy time but you should go at baby’s pace. As mentioned before, a newborn can be placed face down in your lap for just a few minutes to get him or her started. Then you can increase the minutes each week until your baby finally reaches 30 minutes a day. This can also be split up into a couple of sessions a day. Remember, however, to never leave your baby unattended during tummy time. If your baby becomes fussy or sleepy during tummy time, change his or her activity or place your baby on his or her back in the crib to sleep.

6. Play “airplane.”

Once your baby has sufficient head control — around age 4 months — you can play airplane: lie on the floor and bend your legs. Put your baby's tummy against your legs, with his or her head at your knees. Then bend your legs while holding on to them firmly. He or she will probably love the new view – and love your smiling face! 

Guest Blog by Cindy Perry, Inventor of the pello, Luxe Floor Pillows

Cindy, a Texas girl, put herself through college working at a children’s library and sewing at night. When she met her husband and had her two boys, she decided to stay home to care for them while designing window treatments and bedding.

When Cindy’s first son was learning to sit up, he would always fall through the pillows she set around him, hit his head, and cry. Besides, setting her child down on the hardwood floors on just a blanket always seemed so cold. Using her years of sewing and design skills, Cindy took inspiration from a woman in her breastfeeding class and got to work. With some scrap fabric and a few tweaks, pello was born! pello is a luxefloor pillow that helps children feel safe, warm and protected.

For more information, visit mypello.com.

Interested in writing a guest blog for Baby Elephant Ears? Send your topic idea to pr@babyelephantears.com.

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