Toy Placement to Level Up Tummy Time
Based on what I'm doing in this photo 👆🏼, my guess is I was about 3 months old. Is that right, mom? (You better believe she's the first one to open these emails 😉). I'm pretty sure I'm right, because there's a natural progression of tummy time skills. And around the age of 3 months, babies are usually lifting their head about 45 degrees, with their arms out in front of them, but not pushing up a whole lot.
If you have a baby at this stage, here's an easy way to help them level up.
Try this:
When you're on the floor playing with your baby, start holding their toys up, slightly off the floor.
Elevating your baby's toy will elevate their gaze. You'll notice them lifting their head higher (to about 90 degrees) and pushing up through their forearms. This helps strengthen the muscles of their neck, back, and arms.
P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.