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ReMmI · May 25, 2008, 10:08 PM

My son is just 3 months old and I am trying to get him to strengthen his neck muscles by putting him on his tummy on a daily basis but he will do it for like maybe 5 minutes then he starts crying he doesn't like it at all! I don't know what to do about this...

nicki143 · May 26, 2008, 01:34 AM

If he does not like it do not do it. None of my kids had tummy time in fact never heard of it. Have you thought it could be hurting him.

tamed · May 26, 2008, 05:04 AM

DanielNoahsmommy is right, your baby should be having tummy time little and often, so perhaps try a few toys especially ones that rattle. Also try to remember that babies can often get bored by themselves so try being in front of him and making funny faces or something. Another thing, his neck muscles will only get strongr with time so just keep at it even if it is for a few minutes a day, the older he gets the better at it he will become and if you are still worrid after a while, pay your doctor a visit. Good luck.

DoulaLC · May 26, 2008, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by nicki143

If he does not like it do not do it. None of my kids had tummy time infact never heard of it. Hvae you thought it could be hurting him.

It is a relatively new recommendation that came about more so from babies being on their backs for sleeping. We started seeing more and more infants with 1) a pronounced flattened area on the back of the head, and 2) a greater lack of neck muscle control. Being on their back for sleeping obviously is to help lessen the possibility of cot death, or SIDS, so we don't want that to stop. Babies used to be on their stomachs for sleep, so they had ample opportunity to develop these muscles well. Now they are sleeping on their backs and often in carriers or baby seats, so the opportunity is not there unless parents make the time for it.
Tummy time helps with those two areas of concern as well as basic development. Babies will develop from "top to bottom" and you will see this natural progression over several months as they lift their head more, move to holding the chest up, get their arms under them, and gradually work down to getting their knees under them.

ReMmI · May 26, 2008, 09:50 AM

Thanks for everything...

Fr_Chuck · May 26, 2008, 01:21 PM

I will support the one poster, never heard of it, never used it besides to lay on or beside to go to sleep.

Xrayman · May 26, 2008, 03:54 PM

Yes it is recommended to get babies to move more-it is a recent thing because years ago there was a general increased level of mobility-our more recent times have led to SOME parents leaving their babies unattended for long periods of time-so yes it flattened their heads (occipitally-back of the head). It is not really so much for SIDS per se, but to provide a greater level of strength as suggested by Doula-top down strength.

Three months is a little young for 5 minutes though, I'd start with a couple of minutes at three months working up to 5-10 at 5-6 months.

babieface85 · May 26, 2008, 04:18 PM

Don't feel bad. My son crys and crys when I give him tummy time. :)

ang8318 · May 26, 2008, 06:10 PM

My son also cried when I first tried tummy time. But as suggested above, lay in front of him and talk to him while he is on his tummy. I also would put him on his tummy on my bed, with me right there, and he seemed much happier knowing that I was right there.(I never left him there alone though) Now that he is 5 months old, he spends a lot of time on his tummy playing with his toys, rolling around etc.

holly_penyo · May 26, 2008, 08:07 PM

My 5 month old has always hated tummy time and still does, in fact when we went for her four month check up, the doctor noticed. Now we are in therapy because she isn't where she should be when it comes to tummy time. Try putting a pillow under her, like a boppy or a cylinder shaped pillow. It will help. I promise. It worked for my baby. Also, be sure that during tummy time, your baby is resting on his forearms. If he falls behind with his arm, neck, and back strength, he may be a late bloomer when it comes to sitting on his own.

takkea · May 26, 2008, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by ReMmI

My son is just 3 months old and I am tryin to get him to strengthen his neck muscles by putting him on his tummy on a daily basis but he will do it for like maybe 5 minutes then he starts crying he doesnt like it at all!? I dont know what to do about this....

I would suggest propping the baby up on a pillow or using a boppy pillow. You cannot really rush the baby to do anything but you can encourage him. Not all babies develop at the same pace.