BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Make Tummy Time Fun

By eHow Parenting Editor

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Many little babies hate tummy time. However, a few minutes a day of tummy time can keep your child from developing flat spots on the back of the head that later need to be corrected. It also promotes neck and upper body strength. Try these ideas and turn tummy time into fun time for your little one.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Picture book
Soft play mat designed for little babies
Colorful quilt
Another baby
Unbreakable mirror
Family members

Step1

Set a picture book in front of the child. Turn the pages every minute or two, and make up a story to keep the baby's interest.

Step2

Lay the baby on a play mat or colorful quilt. Giving the baby something nice to look at may entrance the child for several minutes. Move the child around on the mat or quilt every few minutes to give him or her some different views.

Step3

Give your child another baby to look at. Meet up with another mother of a small baby and set the children across from each other, or set up an unbreakable mirror in front of your baby (they won't know that it's his or her own reflection).

Step4

Get on the floor with your baby. He or she loves to look at mommy, daddy and other family members. Make goofy faces, talk and sing to your little guy or girl.

Step5

Lie down on your back. Place the baby on top of you, tummy to tummy. This can work well with a baby that craves more body contact.

Tips & Warnings

Have difficulty getting on the floor? Place the baby on a bed instead. Carefully watch the baby to make sure he or she doesn't fall off and get hurt.
If your doctor recommends 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time, you don't have to do it all at once. Break it up into three or more sessions, and your baby will get similar benefits.
Try positioning the baby on a rolled up towel or nursing pillow to reduce fussiness and make it easier to keep his or her head up.
Always put a baby to sleep on his or her back, even if baby has a flat spot. This will cut your child's risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) dramatically.