Tummy time

[maddysmama]

Hi all,

My 9 1/2 week bubs doesn't seem to lift up her head very well during tummy time. You can see shes trying, she pushes and groans but her bum lifts up in the air instead! I'm sure she used to be able to push her head up like a turtle when she was a few weeks.

Also, is she supposed to be able to keep her head steady when upright yet? Her head still bobs about. Not sure if this is something to be concerned about

[giggles]

I don't think you have anything at all to be worried about. It must be such a hard job to get all of that weight moving and keep it suspended!

Just keep going with the tummy time and she will do it when she is ready.

[the_queen]

I was giving Vallerie tummy time at that age too, but she didn't properly lift her head up until 14 or 15 weeks.
It was when she was in hospital after having surgery - I had her on her tummy on the bed and I was kneeling on the floor in front of her face. I think it encouraged her to look up at me! So we started doing it at home too, I'd put her on my bed and play peek-a-boo by getting down on the floor and then jumping up a bit, IYKWIM... Also I'd get down on the floor with her, on my tummy with my face in front of hers, and we'd "talk" and sing etc.

I found I was soooo impatient (in a good way!) for her to start actually doing things, but it wasn't long before I was muttering to myself "god I wish she would STAY PUT for more than 2 seconds!!!" LOL

[pegasus]

Hi Maddysmama

Definitely keep encouraging tummy time. If you're worried about this being a stress for your DD, build the time up. (Put her on her tummy for only 2min on one try, then try 3min the next). At this age she shouldn't be able to hold her head steady (bub's usually don't hold their necks inline with their body till about 3months (when being pulled to sit from lying on their back) and their extensor muscles (down the back of their neck) develop later than the ones at their front.

Try lying down with her like the queen suggested - other suggetions include blowing bubbles (with bubble mix) above her head and just in front. I'm happy to give more info via pm (I'm an Occupational Therapist).

Cheers.

[Ky]

She sounds like she is doing really well ... don't worry about her.

Keep up the great Mummy work!

[maddysmama]

Thanks everyone! Specially love the bubble blowing tip...sounds like fun:)

[Mummaof2]

When is a good age to start giving bubs tummy time????

[Rainbowbrite]

MJ was always lazy on her tummy, whereas another bub her age had his head up real early. But she rolled & crawled before the other bub. Its nothing to worry about.

RB

[maddysmama]

We were told at the hospital to start straight away starting at 5 minutes a day and increasing to some tummy play between each feed as she gets older.

[whatwasithinking]

Bec always hated tummy time.
As of yesterday she has constantly rolled over every time I put her on her back. Now she has not choice as I won't turn her over - she's got to work it out - I'm a mean mummy aren't I.:p

[Jenko]

My DD never liked tummy time, she would only last about 2 minutes if that! She hardly lifted her head, just cried till I picked her up. I would put her on her tummy, but not as much as is advised.

In saying that though, she could hold her up at 4 weeks and was stronger than the other bubs in my mothers group - but their babies were all quite happy on their tummies. They are just all so different - aren't they?

You sound like you are doing a wonderful job. :) Just keep encouraging her :)

[Leanda]

Little Miss Ashley used to love being on her tummy when she was a newborn, but now at 4.5months she hates it. She lies on her back, flings her legs up and over in the air and rolls over onto her stomach. Now she getting the hang of pulling her arm out from under her. But she won't stay on her tummy for more than 10secs before she screams. Turn her over, and she rolls back again.

Rather frustrating for mum!

[Carolynne]

Tummy time is important but dont be concerned. She will master the skill by 3 months. There heads as so big for there little bodies at this stage.