View Full Version : 6 week old tummy time
lizzy_b
Jun 3, 2010, 04:29 PM
My daughter is going to be 7 weeks on Tuesday and we have slowed on the actual tummy time because she hates it. She does much better if I lay back in a recliner and put her on my tummy. She climbs up me then when she gets to my neck she does hold/bob her head up there for quite awhile, even is able to hold it up enough to look me in the eyes good. Is this bad that it's not actual tummy time? I can sit her on my my lap in a sitting position and she can keep her head steady with only one or two dips to the sides. Is this good advancement?
I'm a first time mom so I'm afraid of doing smtg wrong so please give me your thoughts! Thanks!
DoulaLC
Jun 4, 2010, 04:18 AM
That's fine... the main thing with tummy time is to avoid the flattening of the back of the head and to allow some time for the use of the neck muscles. You will see a gradual process of development from top to bottom over the next several months.
You might be able to help her be more comfortable with tummy time on the floor if you roll up a receiving blanket and use it to support her under her upper chest so that she isn't flat on the floor (if you haven't tried that already). Also placing brightly colored toys in front of her, and getting on your own tummy facing her so that she can look up at you can sometimes help. It doesn't have to be long... only a few minutes perhaps a couple of times a day to start with it fine.
lizzy_b
Jun 5, 2010, 11:28 PM
Thank you, I'll try rolling up a receiving blanket. I usually do one normal tummy time session and two the way I described when I sit in a recliner. She seems to be doing well though with her head :)
PathwaysMom
Jun 8, 2010, 12:25 PM
Placing your LO tummy-to-tummy is a good start. Since most babies dislike Tummy Time at first, try some tummy-down holds. Place baby across your lap on her belly to strengthen her neck and back. Keep your hand on her bottom to keep her from rolling off. Alternate the direction of your baby in the crib each day to help with her muscle development. Also, during TT, make sure you get down there with her during her most content time of day. For more tips, check out this website from Pathways Awareness: http://bit.ly/8IhuuF.