Impatient Bub.

[Mum2Lucas]

Hi everyone, My son Lucas is 17 weeks old now but he started grabbing at toys and sitting about 8 weeks ago and now he hates being on his stomach. every time you put him on his tummy he will be fine for a few minutes and then starts crying because he can't move anywhere and his toys wont do as they're told.

Just wondering if anyone had any tips on how to keep him happy on his tummy for longer?

Thanks everyone.

[JanetF]

Was he really sitting at 9 weeks??? Um... why? How about putting him in a sling so he's off his tummy altogether and yet able to watch the constantly changing display of household tasks, walks in the park or supermarket shopping? Beats retrieving toys any day ;) Most cultures don't have tummy time and sling babies have better head control and muscle control much sooner than nonsling babies. Not that it's a race, just that there are other ways to support development than tummy time. We never did it here :)

[Mum2Lucas]

Yeah he has a baby carrier that ive been using heaps but im just worried about him learning to crawl because thats why he get's so cranky because he wants to move forward but can only manage circles but he is held most of the time...

[Baby Girl]

I get down on the floor face to face with DD2 when she is on her tummy - not so much now that she is crawling but before...

I used to get a soft ball and roll it to her and help her roll it back to me and things like that. If she lay her head on the floor so would I and if she lifted her head so would I, kind of like mirroring her but more so she didn't have to strain to see me.

I also used to put her on my tummy so we lay tummy to tummy (me laying on my back) and talk to her and pull faces and do silly things. Once she started trying to slide over my head onto the floor we stopped because I didn't like the whole not breathing bit when her tummy squished on my face :p

Good luck trying to keep him amused!!

[JenNT]

wow thats uncanny! My 18 week old son Lucas is doing the same so don't fret, they are just frustrated at wanting to do more but their little bodies won't co operate :mad: He sees his brother and sister and attempts to start to crawl in a army style way to catch up! I never remember the other 2 being this advanced at this age.

[reAllytee]

Have you tried propping him up on a rolled up towel this way he can see around easier without his head weighing him down & you gotta admit the floor aint a great view lol otherwise the baby carrier is a great tool ! Dont stress he will get the hang of moving around some way & doing things his style while he cant crawl but its sounds like he will be eager to do this lucky you ;)
My bubs doesnt really crawl & he is almost 10mths now heheh he does his own commando type caterpillar movement lol which gets him around but even before that it took him ages to work something out & when he realised he could use his arms to pull himself along he was happy as pie !
Like schmell suggested maybe make up a little "game" between the two of you at least this will keep him happy for awhile take his mind off being so frustrated.
Dont wish him to grow up too soon especially as once he moves thats it he is into everything heheheheh :eek:

[Mum2Lucas]

Actually allyoo there's a lady over the road from me and her little boy does the same thing. doesnt properlly crawl but pull's himself along with his arms. it's amazing to watch. thanks for the tips guys

[Carolynne]

All babies just need time to explore and they will work it out. I think alot of babies find tummy time stressful.