Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Infant nursing pillow or towel
- Age appropriate colorful toys
- Mirror
Step1
Place the infant support pillow or rolled towel under the baby’s chest and armpits. Place yourself within sight and reach of the baby. Do not ever leave your infant alone on his tummy. Sing, talk or otherwise entertain him. As the baby grows and gains head control, move around so his head moves to follow you.
Step2
Place several different toys within reach all around the baby. Try stimulating her senses with them and keeping her attention so she won’t be unhappy. The best position for her elbows is directly beneath her shoulders. This position allows her to practice pushing up.
Step3
Try to get 30 minutes of tummy time in per day. This can be done in smaller increments. When the baby is happy, perhaps after a nap, try a few minutes of tummy time. This will help the baby get used to it and if it is done after each nap it will be easier to fit in.
Step4
After the baby has control of his head an alternate idea to tummy time on the floor is to fly the baby around. Although this will not provide the arms with much work, the baby will lift his head and keep his hips up. Place your hand through baby’s legs and lay your palm flat against his chest. You can put your other hand on his back for support. This will get him used to being on his tummy. You can walk around with him and show him different things than he normally sees to keep his attention.
Step5
The baby can also be placed over your knees. It will be harder to show her toys or books but a mirror is a good idea in this position. A mirror made for infants is the safest toy to use for this.
Novice 
