Looking for baby tummy time survival tips? Does your baby hate tummy time? Do you want to know what are the best tummy time toys and mats? I’m helping you with the answers that you need! I’m a mama of three and let me tell you that back in the day, tummy time was not a popular topic. I did not know how important it was, but funny enough I had them do tummy time exercises anyways.
There are babies who love tummy time and then there are babies who simply hate it. I’m here to help you help your baby enjoy it! It’s actually pretty simple and fun. My children enjoyed tummy time and so for me it was a little easier. That’s why I’m sharing with you these tummy time essentials and the benefits of tummy time for your baby.
As a new mom, you have to get to know your baby. Know what bothers him, what he doesn’t like and so on. So, if you find that your baby is uncomfortable or cries the minute you place him on his stomach. Then, just pick him right up and try again later. There’s no rush on when and how many times your baby does tummy time exercises. As long as you are trying, that’s good enough!
What is tummy time?
Tummy time is exactly what you think it is. Is the time baby spends on his/her stomach.
How can I do tummy time with a baby?
Good news! Tummy time is really straight foward. All you have to do is place your baby on his stomach on a comfortable blanket or tummy mat. Make sure it’s on a flat surface (ex. floor) and that the baby is awake and supervised at all times.
Why is it important for babies?
“It can help your baby develop strong neck and shoulder muscles and promote motor skills. Tummy time can also prevent the back of your baby’s head from developing flat spots (positional plagiocephaly).” (source)
Now that you know the importance of baby tummy time, I want to share with you amazing tips to help your baby not hate it!
Read this next:
17 really helpful tips for first time moms with newborn
10 totally helpful tips for a first time mom (free printable!)
6 ways to help your baby enjoy time on his stomach
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here:
1.Be present
Do not leave your baby alone, specially if your baby hates tummy time. Be present and lay on floor with her. Place your baby on top of your stomach and have fun. You can sing and talk to him while exercising and encouraging tummy time.
2.Spread out toys
When my kids were babies, I would place a few colorful toys around them. This is going to help your baby lift his head up, wiggle his body and look at the toys. It’s such a fun way to watch them “try” to get the toys.
3.Do not force it
Do not stress yourself out trying to force your little one to do tummy time. Yes, it’s something that you should encourage but take it a day at a time. Or atleast, a few seconds or minutes at a time. If your baby starts crying, then pick her up. Then try again a few hours later. Do not put pressure on yourself 🙂
4.Make area comfortable
Do not directly place your baby on his stomach on the floor. It is too hard and uncomfortable. Instead, add extra cushion, like blankets! Make sure the surface is not too hard otherwise your baby will not like his tummy time sessions.
Read this next:
9 things first time moms should know about newborns
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5. Fun tummy time mats
Okay, so I loved loved using tummy time mats with my children. They were so much fun and all three of my kids really enjoyed it! Tummy time mats are specifically designed to help your baby enjoy and have fun during their time on their stomachs. I am sharing amazing options down below, scroll down!
6. Invite older kids to join in
If you have older children at home, ask them to join you on the fun. They can talk to their baby sibling and help baby enjoy tummy time a little more . Older children can really be so helpful with new baby at home.
Watch this tummy time video!
2 easy positions to try today:
1.Burp him on his stomach on your laps
My grandmother actually gave me this tip and she showed me how to do it. When you are going to burp your baby after a feeding, simply place her on your lap facing down. You can move your legs side to side while patting on her back, so she can burp.
2.Hold baby on your forearms
My hubby and I used to do this all of the time with our three children. You can also swing them back and forth and it can also help if your baby is gassy or colicky.
Read this next:
7 sure ways to help your baby with colic feel better
10 easy ways to soothe your fussy baby when nothing seems to work
7 Tummy time toys and products to buy:
- Tummy time mat – Gym floor mat
Benefits:
Encourages infants head lifting reaching and grabbing. It comes with a plush pillow to support baby’s head and it’s comfortable and cute. Buy now! (only $24.95)
2. Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play Activity Gym
Benefits:
It’s of course super cute and fun for baby to start his tummy time sessions on. I actually had a similar one for my kids. This mat can be folded up to create walls, imaginative infant play gym with lights and your baby can play through his toddler years as well! Buy now! (only $63.99)
3. Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water mat
Benefits:
This playmat is super cute and amazing! It’s inflatable, has water, bright colors and toys that move inside. It of course stimulates sensory development, strengthens neck muscles and improves motor skills. Buy Now! (only $15.99)
4. VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow
Benefits:
I love this tummy time pillow because it’s perfect for your little one. My kids also had one (similar) and they loved it. It provides your baby with comfortable support, development of motor skills, it has games your baby can play with and more! Buy Now! (only $ 21.99)
5. Tumzee Tummy Time support
Benefits:
This adorable tummy support product is just that, it supports your baby while he plays on his stomach! It’s sturdy and simple but it has great benefits. Like, helping your baby elevate his head and body so that he can see his surroundings. Helps with colic or gas symptoms as well as congestion. It also helps your baby with eye/hand coordination! Buy Now! (only $40.99)
6. Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play
Benefits:
Super comfy and big for baby to have a great time playing and discovering new things! This cute mat helps support your baby while she learns to lift herself up. There’s a mirror, rattle toy, squishy toys and more! Buy Now! (only $24.99)
7. Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Baby Play Mat and Infant Activity Gym
Benefits:
This adorable baby tummy time gym mat stimulates your baby’s sight, hearing, and touch with endless hours of play. It has a support pillow for tummy time and if your baby wants to lay down on his back to play with the toys above he can! This mat also has different textures for infant sensory development! Buy Now! (only $67.99)
Baby tummy time has never been so easy and fun! Seriously mama, there are so many options of tummy time toys to make it easier for baby to adjust and get used to it. You can start tummy time as early as you want, making sure of course that baby is healthy, well fed and diapers have been changed. Also, you can make it a 3 to 5 minute session each day to start off with, then raise it up as you see your baby enjoying it more and more.
Remember mama take it a day at a time and do not be so hard on yourself if your baby is not happy. He/she will get used to it and love it eventually. Just make sure that baby is comfortable and that you are there at all times supervising.
I hope you found these baby tummy time tips for first time moms helpful and useful!
