Seven Tummy Time Activities

Tummy time is the time your baby spends on his stomach for playtime with mommy and it's recommended by Pediatrics in order to promote growth and development and also to prevent flat spots from forming on the head. Many infants fuss during tummy time because it's uncomfortable for them but you can make it easier with some fun activities and by using a soft play mat. 

Seven tummy time activities for baby's development

1. Use a Toy: 
Find a toy your baby loves and dangle it in front of baby while he is lying on the mat to encourage him to hold his head up.



2. Face-to-Face: 
Lie down on your stomach opposite from your baby and look at him face-to-face and start making silly faces and funny noises to keep baby distracted.



3. Give Him a Kiss: 
Lie back with your knees bent and place baby on your shins and while you hold his hands, gently move him up and down. Bring your knees and your head forward and give baby a kiss!



4. Use a Towel: 
Place a rolled-up towel under baby's arms or chest while he is lying tummy down to prop him up and then place a mirror in front of him to get him to interact.



5. Carry Him: 
Place your arm between baby's legs and keep your hand under baby's tummy as you carry him tummy down.



6. Use his Feet: 
Put a noisy toy at baby's feet while he is lying on his stomach. Encourage him to kick his feet to have the toy make noise.


7. Use a Play Mat: 
Place baby on him tummy on a soft blanket or play mat. Then take two corners of the blanket or play mat and slowly pull baby around the room. You can make choo-choo noises or car noises to further entertain baby.



The earlier you start with tummy time, the easier it will be for baby to become adjusted to lying on his stomach. If your baby can only tolerate tummy time for a few minutes at first that is perfectly ok. Try to gradually add more time to each session and work your way up to 30 minutes or more. Also try to have a few short sessions a day. Just remember to never leave baby unattended during tummy time!