If you’re struggling to get your baby to do tummy time, prop them up on a Boppy pillow for some easy tummy time and give them the chance to strengthen their muscles.
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Does your baby scream bloody murder every time you try to get them on their stomach for tummy time? You’re not alone. Many babies hate tummy time because they’re not used to being in that position.
If the only way you can get your baby some tummy time is by propping them on a Boppy pillow, you might be wondering if that even counts as tummy time.
The answer is yes, propping your baby on a Boppy pillow does count as tummy time. The point of tummy time is to give your baby the chance to strengthen the muscles of their neck and back, and being on a Boppy pillow will help them do just that.
All Tummy Time Counts
Pediatricians recommend that babies spend some time on their stomach every day during the first three months of life. That’s because tummy time gives them the chance to practice lifting their head and chest, which strengthens the muscles in their back and neck.
Tummy time also helps to prevent flat spots from forming on your baby’s head. When babies spend too much time on their back, the back of their head can start to flatten.
So even though your baby might not love tummy time, it’s important for their development. If the only way you can get them to do it is by propping them on a Boppy, then go for it!
Just make sure that you’re never leaving your baby unattended on the Boppy. And when they’re done with tummy time, make sure to put them in a safe place on their back or their side.
Tummy Time on A Boppy vS On a Flat Surface
While propping your baby on a boppy pillow is a good way to get your baby started with tummy time, especially in the early months, you should still try to give your baby the chance to do some tummy time on a flat surface. That’s because different tummy time positions will target different muscles on your baby’s body.
Early on, any tummy time position is great since your baby is mainly working on head stability and neck control. But as your baby gets stronger, around three to four months old, you’ll want to start incorporating different positions to help them strengthen all the muscles in their back and neck.
Around three to four months, you should transition to doing more tummy time on the floor.
The ideal position is to do tummy time on a flat, firm surface. Having your baby directly on the floor (or a mat) allows them to better practice using their muscles to push themselves off the ground and holding their shoulders, neck, and head in proper alignment.
Other Fun Ways for Tummy Time
Sometimes tummy time feels like a chore when all your baby does is cry as soon as you get them face down on their stomach.
If you are still in the early stages of tummy time practice, and your baby hates being on their belly with a passion (I know something about that), there are some fun ways other than propping your baby on the boppy to get the benefits of tummy time. You can try:
Tummy Time on Your Lap
Sit cross-legged on the floor, and place your baby on your lap face down. You can prop them up with a pillow if you need to.
Tummy Time While Wearing Your Baby
Place your baby on your chest in a sling or any baby carrier while you’re carrying them around the house. This is a great way to get some quality time with your baby while getting some tummy time in too! This position will also work your baby’s neck and back muscles as they try to hold their head up to see you.
Tummy Time on Your Tummy
Another fun way to do some tummy time while bonding with your baby is to place them on your tummy while you’re laying flat on your back. This is a great position for very young babies since they can see your face and feel comforted by being close to you.
Tummy Time on A Rolled up Blanket or Towel
If you don’t have the boppy pillow within reach, a rolled-up towel or blanket can do the trick. Place the rolled-up towel or blanket lengthwise in front of you, and then place your baby on their tummy on top of it so they can grab on and prop themselves up.
Tummy Time with Toys
You can make tummy time more fun for your baby by placing their favorite toy in front of them so they can reach for it. This will give them something to focus on other than the fact that they’re on their tummy.
Remember, the goal is to get your baby to spend more time on their tummy so they can develop the muscles on their back and neck. If you find that your baby is only tolerating tummy time for a few minutes at a time, that’s okay! Just keep at it and gradually increase the amount of time each day. Eventually, your baby will get used to it and might even start to enjoy it!
Final Thoughts
Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s development, and it’s something that you should be doing every day.
The boppy pillow is a great way to do tummy time on in the early months, but you should be transitioning to more tummy time on the floor as your baby gets older.
If you don’t have a boppy pillow, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to do tummy time with your baby. Just get creative and have fun with it!
The purpose of this article is informative and educational only. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babycious may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content.
