Does your infant scream or cry during tummy time? Tummy time, or laying a baby on their stomach while they are awake, can make a baby feel vulnerable, resulting in them feeling upset. However, this doesn’t mean that your baby is hurt or uncomfortable, so don’t give up on tummy time if baby is upset at first. Tummy time is very important for your child’s development. The benefits of tummy time can include: 

• Strengthening muscles in the neck, back, shoulders and belly
• Decrease risk of a flat head
• Promotes vision, self calming, and movement skills 

What should I NOT do in tummy time?

• Leave baby alone
• Lay baby on their stomach while asleep 
• Place thick, soft blankets near baby’s mouth and nose
• Leave baby on their stomach for a long period after they become upset (no more than 1 minute after showing distress)

Now that we know why we do tummy time, let’s focus on the how for babies who don’t enjoy it!

You can:

• Lay baby on your chest while you are laying down (awake, of course)- this provides skin to skin and helps to calm baby 
• Place a mirror or interesting toy in front of baby’s head to keep baby engaged
• Turn baby over after each diaper change for a few minutes at a time- this gives them a routine for tummy time, so they learn to expect it and aren’t unpleasantly surprised 
• Do the “football” hold- Put one hand under the tummy and between the legs and carry baby tummy down. Use the other hand to supp­­ort the baby's head and neck. Hold baby close to your body so they feel safe. 

The "football" hold

• Get down on the floor with baby so they know you are there - this helps baby feel safe and secure

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