My 3 month old son hates to be on his belly! He'll be on his belly for tummy time for maybe three minutes before he starts freaking out. So, of course I'll pick him up because I can't stand to see him that upset! Any suggestions?
Thanks for all of the great advice that you all gave me. But I think my fears are put to rest as Chandler only 3 1/2 months old rolled over onto his belly (and didn't put up too much of a fuss) this evening and then a few minutes later he rolled right back onto his back! :) Thanks again!
I've dealt with tummy time! My daughter hated it, and the children at daycare under the age of 7months..hate it too...I think it's more the fact that they cant go anywhere...and they get upset and uncomfortable.
So, hopefully that is all that it is. Hope it all works out for you.
J.
Do you get down on the floor with him, that may make things more interesting. I know that if I was in a position that I couldn't do anything in or from I would get pretty mad too. I found that being on their level helped out with my 2 kids. Also my daughter wasn't that fond of it so I would change her activity when she got upset and go back to tummy time later. This way she didn't get so upset that she hated it, and she eventually got used to it. I hope this helps some.
Mine was the same way! We got her those play mates with all the good stuff and she would lay on it for maybe a two minutes tops...then it was tantrum.
Just get as much tummy time as you can. Three minutes here, three minutes there...it will add up and he will get more accustomed to it.
:)
C.
Have you tried propping him up, on a pillow or rolled up blanket? I found that helped a little bit; my son was the same way. Just keep plugging, we would put him on his tummy just a few minutes a day before he'd fuss. Now he's a champ, and beginning to crawl/creep on his belly.
You are doing a great job in offering belly time to him. My son also hated it, however, I was suggested to try it everyday from my son's pedi even if it is only for a few minutes each time. He hated it and wouldn't be there any longer then just that. It's all they really need in the beginning. I too picked my son up when he cried while he was doing tummy time. Only you know what's right for your son. I say you are doing great keep up the good work. It may not seem that he's benifiting from this at all but in time he'll spend more then just a few minutes on his belly. Just give him the time to get there. Good Luck!
Hi Louise,
I think it is only a matter of time and he'll get more accustomed to it. Try to do several few minute sessions here and there throughout the day. My daughter didnt particularly like being on her tummy when she was little either so I'd just try to get it in throughout the day instead of trying to have her doing longer stretches of tummy time. A few minutes here a few minutes there and eventually he'll get the hang of it and like this new view of things! :)
Louise,
First off good luck with your husband in Iraq, I know it is tough my husband spent time over there as well, but before our son was born. I got pregnant while he was home on leave and he made it home in time for the delivary. In regards to Chandler....my son didn't enjoy tummy time at that age either and the only thing that really helped me was his daycare. They worked with him a little bit everyday and now he will roll him self over and stay there for a little bit and when he gets tired he rolls back onto his back. All I can suggest is keep trying. Also try placing a boppy under his chest sometimes it is there belly being pressed against the floor that bothers them.
Hope this helps,
A.
Hello Im T. My Son Kennet just turn 1 On Dec 6th 2006 He never liked tummy time he would last 30 Seconds adn start to cry..And like you i just had to pick him up....lol i Guess its a Mommy thing...But My Son even thow did not do tummy time he rolled and crawled on time....He was up and walking at just 8.5 Months his Drs where in shock when i took him for his 9 Months check up just 3 Months before he was still crying at tummy time and know he is walking..I would not trouble your self He is still so young..My Son loved the water mats that have the toys that float when u add water they are under $20.00 at wal mart...Maybe your little guy can enjoy it as well....Good Luck
I would say that your son is on his tummy for a grea amount of time at 3 minutes. The attention span of a child is relevant to their age, so if at three months hes on him tummy three minutes, hes right on target. Great job mom!
Think of it this way- tummy time is especially important for his muscle development. Much like brushing teeth is important for health teeth. It's not always fun,no, but by giving it to him in small "doses", you will be able to increase his tolerance for it. 3-5 mins at a time is typical of his age. Just try to do it a few times a day, and "save" him before he really gets angry and frustrated. Make it fun. Try laying on your back and laying him on your chest for some fun "face time", or lie on the floor with him face to face. Another way to develop those muscles is to wear him in a sling while you work. Your constant movement forces him to constantly adjust his position to keep upright. Good luck!
i would say dont pick him up. it is hard to hear a baby cry. but the 3 best advice i ever got from my mother was put a baby down awake to let them nessles themselves to sleep,never wake a sleeping baby to feed it unless instructed by your doctor and sleep when baby sleeps. the other thing i learnt was is it is ok to let a baby cry. if he is dry, burped and feed, it is ok to let them cry espcialy to put themselves to sleep. i know it sounds cruel and may make you feel like you are not giving him attension and nuturing he needs but it really does help with their sleep habits. i would also try proping him on his side with a blanket behind him or simply lay him on his back to sleep. 3 months is another milestone and if he learns to put himself to sleep chances are you wont be writing about how you HAVE to walk or rock or make no noise in the house for his sleep. best of luck and get some sleep yourself.
Hello Lousie,
Have you tried using those bopi pillows the ones people use for breast feeding. My little one loved to lay on it I put toys in front of her so she could she them. The ones that make noise and show lights. 3 mins is a great time for a child that age. He really is right on target as was stated before. As for picking him up, well maybe just turn him on his back and kiss him. He may get use to the fact that he is being picked up when he cries that can cause a problem. GOOD LUCK WITH HUBBY Try to have a great new year. YOUR DOING A WONDERFUL JOB KEEP IT UP MOM>>>B.
Hi Louise,
My son is not too keen on any more than a few minutes of tummy time either. I was told to roll a small towel and prop baby up under his arms so he is leaning upward and can start working his neck muscles. I plan to give it a try! Good luck L.
My youngest is 6 months and still hates tummy time. Same thing completely, 2 or 3 minutes and thats it he has had enough. He lays on his back alot and is rolling over onto his belly that way. From what I have heard its ok, some kids just realy dont like tummy time. Just keep trying, thats what I am doing. I think the kids that dont like there tummy time are gonna do other thing early. Good luck
My son is almost 5 months old and still hates being on his stomach. He did the same thing as your son. I hate to admit it, but I kind of gave up on trying to put him on his stomach. He just started the other day rolling from back to stomach and than gets stuck on the belly and I have to rescue him. Everyone says he did this on the early side and he never really had much tummy time so I wouldn't sweat it.
Louise... I am in the same boat with my daughter. Check out some of the responses to my request for suggestions if you'd like! Good luck :)
