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My 5 month old dislikes "Tummy Time" very much. The doctor says to let her cry, but how long is enough crying? If I lay her on her tummy for 30 minutes, she cries the whole time. Any advice?”

Asked by ponytrainer on 16th January 2008

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Comments so Far...

my little guy didn't like tummy time either...I lay in the floor with him and we listen to the radio because he likes music...find something that catches his eyes and ears...sometimes that works

Flag as inappropriate Posted by ezra'smommy on 24th January 2008
Have you tried peek-a-boo while she's on her tummy? Get nose-to-nose with her. When she rears her head up, exclaim "PEEK!" in tones of great delight, and mime huge, happy surprise. That might bring her round. (I also love Diane's idea about doing it with her on your chest.)

Half an hour at a stretch is a long time. (Not so much because of the crying; it's just a long time!) My inclination would be two - three minutes at a time, several times a day.

Unless she's got some sort of significant delay, and, judging from that picture, she holds her head up just fine, I wouldn't sweat it overmuch. Like the others have said, it's really not all that important. Kids have been learning to hold their heads up for milennia before someone invented "tummy time".

Flag as inappropriate Posted by MaryP on 18th January 2008
wow - 30 minutes? I can barealy handle my 2 months old crying for 5 minutes... that's all we are able to do - my dr said it's fine to just let him do it few min at a time couple times a day... so I've been doing it but it's tough....

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Victoria on 17th January 2008
Good Lord! Please ignore your doctor. What nonsense. My baby hated tummy time, too. I didn't worry about it too much and believe me she's doing just fine. I certainly wouldn't do it if it makes her cry. If you're really concerned her neck muscles seem weak, try laying on the floor/bed/couch with her facedown on your chest. Make it a game or cuddle time. That might work.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Diane on 17th January 2008
Hi Pony trainer,

I am probably not the best to answer this nor do I have a medical degree but I do have a 15 month old and 3 1/2 yr. old. I did not focus too much on tummy time. If they were on their tummies a little each day that was fine by me. I wouldn't let my child cry for tummy time. Did the Dr. say 30 minutes??
Have you tried a little time each day? Every baby is different. I know alot of babies that didn't enjoy tummy time.

When my mom would visit she would say "tummy what?" back in the day mothers didn't do half the things we do and we turned out just fine.

I love that age - enjoy!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by momof2lovelies on 16th January 2008