how can I make tummy time more enjoyable for my 2 1/2 month daughter? I have tried putting her on different textures, on the floor, tummy time mat, and mattress... I have also tried with and without clothes... nothing I do works. I put her down, and within a minute she is screaming. The only time I can get her to spend any time on her stomach is if I lay down with her, and keep up some very excited babble. lol. But when I do this, she is focused on ME instead of trying new things... She does pretty good so far, and is able to push up on her elbows (she can get her arms straight if she really puts her mind to it) and is starting to try to roll over. (she didn't mind tummy time so much until recently... it's only the past week that she absolutely hates it) Any suggestions? :)
Im going to keep her sessions shorter... no point in pushing it apparently! she did roll over today on her own for the first time (!!! :D !!!!) so maybe she will start enjoying it more.
I think it's okay. My son HATED tummy time until he was about 4 months old. I would keep doing it for a couple of minutes a couple of times a day, but don't make it an overly stressful time. When she's a little older, you can begin to push it a little harder. Good luck.
My son hated tummy time, it make him spit up. I would put him there for just a few minutes, until he fussed, then let him play on his back instead. He still hit all the major mile stones right on track.
My older son was born a bit early and spent some time in the NICU. As a result, we had the benefit of being monitored by developmental specialists throughout his first year of life. One thing that they suggested for getting a baby used to tummy time is just simply doing it on your lap. Just sit down and have one knee/leg higher than the other. Place the baby across your lap with her head on the higher end. She'll have the security of being with mom or dad, but will be working on those muscles.
Geraldine is exactly right about the focus of TT at this age not being on attempting to grab/interect with objects, but just on developing muscle control for those muscles which do not get any exercise when sitting or lying on the back all day.
At our Gymboree class, they would put a big mirror flat on the ground and let the babies look into it. They loved it! We also rolled colored balls across the mirror so, as they got stronger, they had something to reach for.
Take a look at this toy, too. It has a mirror as part of it, as well as a bunch of other things for her to start reaching for and playing with. Plus, as she gets older, you can stand it up and she can use it for balance as she starts to sit up. http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/esuite/control/product?P...
She is still young. Do not expect her to be down there very long.. Does she roll over? Many times kids learn to roll over before they really like spending much time on their tummies..
She is young. At this age, the point of tummy time is not to try new things but to strengthen some muscles. She is fine is she focuses on you.
In fact, in my opinion having this face to face playing on the floor, quality shared time is the best of the tummy time!
I would hate it too if I was put on my tummy (and can't roll over to see around) and left by myself, lol.
try some yoga while she is doing her tummy time. I never really thought of it but when your doing "yoga" you can do some poses that relate to tummy time. like laying on you tummy and stretching your arms up an head back (don't ask what it's called i can barly keep up with my son's new name everyday..lol) but try looking on line. then your both doing "tummy time" and you can both enjoy it together. Just a thought..good luck
My first son didn't get much tummy time until after 6 months because he HATED it. He's doing fine 5 years later.
