Mastering the art of tummy time can be a challenge for new parents and every baby is different!
I had one baby that seemed to love tummy time and one that did not.
Cries, protests, and unhappy little faces may leave you feeling guilty and discouraged.
But here’s the bright side—this seemingly torturous exercise is crucial for your baby’s development.
It helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, prepares them for rolling, crawling, standing, and prevents the development of flat spots on the back of the head.
Worry not, though, as there are clever ways to turn tummy time into joyful, engaging moments for you and your little one.
Below are 10 tried-and-tested ideas to make tummy time more enjoyable for your baby.
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Use Colorful Toys
Take a trip to the toy store and choose toys with bright colors, high contrast, and fun shapes.
You can see some of my favorites HERE.
These visual stimulations not only attract your baby’s attention but also encourage them to lift their head to get a better look at the eye-catching playthings.
Consider soft, textured toys too, as they don’t just make playtime interesting; they also add a tactile dimension to your baby’s exploration, which is vital for their sensory development.
Engage with Mirrors
Babies love looking at faces, especially their own.
A baby-safe, unbreakable mirror (like this) placed in front of your little one can be a source of endless fascination and a motivation for them to spend more time struggling and exploring during tummy time.
This also aids in their cognitive development as they begin to recognize and interact with their own reflection.
Sing a Song
Your voice is like a beacon to your baby.
Singing to them during tummy time not only provides comfort but also encourages them to lift their head and turn in the direction of the sound.
Did I mention it is one of the best things you can do for language development as well?
Choose cheerful nursery rhymes with actions to keep them engaged like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
It’s a win-win; you’re bonding with your baby and making tummy time a stimulating experience.
Incorporate Textures
Textured playmats or even a water mat (see it here) can add interest to tummy time and provide your baby with tactile sensations as they explore with their hands and mouth.
These textures can be as simple as a soft or even something that makes a crinkly sound.
Remember to supervise closely to ensure that the textures are appropriate and safe for your baby.
Join the Fun
Don’t be a passive observer during tummy time.
Get down on the floor at your baby’s eye level and engage with them.
Your presence and interaction are comforting and can turn this solo activity into a playdate.
Be playful – make funny faces, mimic their sounds, and encourage them with claps and cheers.
Opt for Short Sessions
If your baby is not a tummy time enthusiast, start with short sessions throughout the day.
It’s more about frequency than duration.
Gradually increase the time as your baby grows stronger.
Over time, they will get used to it and even start to look forward to this daily adventure on their tummy.
Always watch their cues and supervise your baby when doing tummy time.
Include Siblings
If you have older children, including them in tummy time can make it more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Encourage your older kids to demonstrate tummy time, sing songs, or play peek-a-boo with the baby during the session.
It’s not just a bonding experience between the siblings, but it also makes tummy time less solitary and more fun for the baby.
Read to Your Baby
It’s never too early to start reading to your baby.
This was one of my sons favorite tummy time activities!
Placing a book (these are some of my favorites) during tummy time not only encourages the development of early literacy skills but also gives your baby something interesting to look at.
Choose books with large, bright pictures and simple stories or even textured pages they can feel.
Tummy Time During Diaper Changes
Merging tummy time with tasks you already perform, such as diaper changes, is a clever way to ensure you don’t forget a session and your little one gets lots of opportunities throughout the day.
After a fresh diaper, simply lay your baby on their tummy for a few extra minutes of practice.
This consistent and routine-based approach might ease the transition into enjoying tummy time.
Get more ideas on how to tie learning to your daily routines HERE.
Stay Positive and Patient
Lastly, stay upbeat and be patient.
Remember, tummy time is all about helping your baby meet important developmental milestones, not about achieving a specific performance benchmark.
Always watch your baby’s cues and give them breaks when they need them.
Stay calm, provide reassurance, and offer a distraction if necessary.
Each baby’s pace is different, and they’ll eventually find their groove with tummy time.
Why Tummy Time Matters
Tummy time is not just a milestone to check off; it’s the foundation for your baby’s physical development.
Giving them the tools, encouragement, and cheerleading during these crucial moments will not only make this exercise more enjoyable for both of you, but it will set the stage for confident, healthy growth.
Incorporate these ten tactics into your baby’s tummy time routine, and watch as they transform from an exercise filled with reluctance to an experience filled with discovery and joy.
After all, this is not just about developing muscles; it’s also about nurturing a curious, happy baby
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Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.