Tummy time?

[xJodieLoux]

Health visitor says to put Jaida on her tummy to play but whenever I do she cries. Is this a problem? Is it really that important to lay them on their tummy?

 

[daftscotslass]

One of the main reasons is to prevent plagiocephaly etc and to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles. Don't expect them to like it right away though (or ever in our case, haha) - just try for a minute or even less at a time and slowly increase the amount of time she spends on her tummy. Have lots of distractions like toys or things that make noise. I found that starting out with her tummy down on my chest while lying flat was great because I could chat away to her and distract her.

Bear in mind that all babies are different and while it's good they spend time on their tummies, there are babies who love it and others who barely tolerate it. On a brighter note, it taught Becky to roll from front to back quite early on so she could escape it