Tummy time is one of those things that parents hear a lot about but may not have any idea how to make tummy time more fun (and less fussy). Many babies find it a bit disorienting and they don’t really like the sensation of being put on their tummies, especially if they have little muscle strength in their necks.
From the time children are born they are using their muscles and building strength, but for those of us with a special needs child, such as mine with Down Syndrome, the necessity of tummy time to help build up the head, neck and core muscles is ever more important than even with typical children.
I have found that often my children do not like to be laid down on their bellies without some incentive so here are a few things that have worked well for us to make tummy time more fun.
- Boppy Tummy Time Pillow
You can use a regular Boppy if you have one, they will work too, but this Boppy tummy time is a favorite here because there are toys attached and it is smaller than a standard boppy.
I find that using elevated tummy time is a big help because just that extra little lift makes it so your baby can see more at a 45-degree angle than a 20-degree angle, it really makes a difference in the length of time they can tolerate tummy time. Using elevated tummy time seems to engage the abdominal muscles more as well as providing a more panoramic view while being laid prone.
- Vanity works wonders
Mirrors, babies usually love them. You can use your bathroom mirror or a cheap floor length purchased from Walmart. The point is, babies, love to see that little person in the reflection, this can sometimes keep their interest long enough to extend tummy time past the 15-minute mark.
If you find that they are losing interest, bust out a dry erase marker and start drawing on the mirror while your little one watches. This is a no-mess way to keep their attention engaged as the cleanup is simply wiping the mirror off.
- Selfie Mode
Using your camera’s selfie mode is for more than checking your lipstick. Being that phones are such small items, you can use selfie mode and place your phone down just below baby’s face when a baby is on his/her tummy elevated by a boppy pillow. You may end up with a bit of drool on your phone, so be forewarned, but this is a mama hack that works wonders.
- In your face
You are your baby’s biggest cheerleader, and he/she knows it. Get down and get right in your baby’s face, or ask a sibling to do so for you. Make googley eyes, talk baby talk, sing, whatever it takes. Knowing that you are right there with them makes tummy time more fun and less fussy.
What is the takeaway from all of this? Be creative, be with them, and encourage tummy time. With our special needs kiddos, especially ones who have hypotonia (low muscle tone) daily tummy time can mean the difference between rolling over and holding their own head up sooner, rather than later.
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I love the selfie mode and being on the floor with my son, which happen simultaneously so that’s an added bonus! Plus! When in selfie mode with your phone, you can get some super cute shots of baby! I have taken some of the cutest pictures of my son like that.. right before the tears and fussiness starts.
I would love a baby boppy pillow to try! My email is tlcawthorn@gmail.com 🙂
I love the mirror idea!! We need to find one for my Penelope. She loves staring at herself, she’s my little diva!!
I like to lay baby down with a very colorful blanket with lots of pictures and things to look at, that seems to keep it a little more interesting once they realize there is something to do 🙂
Emmie actually likes tummy time! Maybe it’s because I constantly praise her for it though hahaha
She definitely likes when we are right the next to get or in her face. We tried the mirror and got the funniest expression from her- like “wait! There’s two of my mom?!” Haha we loved it. We make her look in the mirror every night after bath time now
I like the smaller boppy pillow
We use mirrors a lot. He loves looking at himself or at his family members! My guy is 9 months old now and he tolerates it pretty well. He has done a lot of tummy time 😄
its so funny how much they like to look at themselves!
My little one loves tummy time! As soon as I put him down, he rolls to his tummy and lifts his head way up. A lot of praise and toys to encourage him to keep going.
That is fantastic!
I certainly found a mirror to be an excellent tool. We just used a baby mirror and Dianna would be on her tummy with her face in front of that. She still plays with the mirror!
Isn’t it funny how much they like to look at themselves?
I love the idea of putting the boopy underneath them. It makes so much more sense! Love the mirror idea too! I’ll be trying these out today! Thank you!
you are most welcome!
I have the advantage of having twins so I lay them on their tummies facing each other so they can talk 😊
I love the tip of using a mirror. I recently had kurt raised up to a hallway mirror and put his hand out to touch it and he smiled 🙂 so now looks like we need to get a smaller mirror for him to use during tummy time. Thanks for the tips!!
You are most welcome!
I’m a NICU NURSE and I love a boppy for our NICU babies that have been with us for months and are older and need developmental stimulation. I really like the mirror tips. We also like the boppy for helping to build neck muscles during tummy time. If I win I will donate my boppy to our NICU.
What a wonderful gift for your NICU, good luck winning! Did you see the most recent blog post about NICU tips from a nurse? You will have to let me know you have any other tips to include!
What great ideas! My 3-yr-old HATED tummy time! I will be taking these suggestions to heart in the upcoming months after our little Farrah is born. THANKS!
#3 & #4 are so great! I tried #3 tonight and she would pause for a second every time she caught a glimpse of herself…like her mom lol
These are all very creative Dawn! I’ve done them all, except the selfie mode! That is awesome 💕 I use the siblings more often, because that’s a great way to make sure baby doesn’t get stepped on! !!!
Mirrors have ALWAYS worked for Kara!
That must be because she is so beautiful to look at! xoxo