0 - 12 Weeks

4 ideas for no-floor, less fussy tummy time

Tummy time builds the muscles and coordination needed for rolling over, crawling, reaching, and playing. At 10 weeks old, success is 3 to 5 minutes at a time, 2 to 3 sessions per day. If your baby seems to be getting tired or starts crying, it’s time for a break.

Take a look at these ideas for how to do tummy time if your baby isn’t loving it on the floor:

Tummy time on a table

Woman getting a babies attention while doing tummy time on the kitchen table
In photo: Rolling Bell from The Charmer Play Kit

Closely supervise your baby (with a hand on their back or very close by) doing tummy time on the counter or table. They might be more willing if you are face-to-face, and they get a different view of the room.

On your chest

Baby doing tummy time on a woman's chest

Put your baby on your chest on their tummy, facing you, and softly talk to them to attempt to encourage them to lift their head. By two and a half months, your baby will likely be able to lift their head up enough so that they can see a little ahead of them (but not yet straight ahead).

On your thighs

Baby doing tummy time on a woman's lap looking at Black and White cards by Lovevery
In photo: Black & White Card Set from The Charmer Play Kit

Put your baby on your thighs, belly-down, and gently rub their back. If you raise one of your legs higher than the other, they will be able to see a little more. Show them a high-contrast card and slowly move it upward to encourage them to lift their head.

Use an exercise ball

Baby doing tummy time on an exercise ball being supported by a woman

Try gently rolling your baby back and forth on an exercise ball. You may need to give it a couple of tries, as this kind of movement is a new feeling for your baby!

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Posted in: 0 - 12 Weeks, Tummy Time, Gross Motor, Real World Play, Child Development

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