tummy time question

this decaf life

So DD does tummy time every day and she's really good at holding her head up high for a while but when she's done she pretty much face plants straight down and lays there flailing her arms. She doesn't seem to understand that she needs to turn her head to the side to breathe!

It makes me worried because she can roll back to belly and has done it once at night. I'm hoping if she does again she'll either cry or figure it out but right now I honestly believe she'd suffocate herself if I left her on her belly for a long time. Should I do anything to help her learn or assume it would be a natural reflex if she were to lay there longer than like 10 seconds?

Little Dawson

How long do you leave her there for? I would give her a good minute or so to try and figure it out during the day while you're there to help her. Then keep extending the time little by little. Maybe she'll figure it out hopefully. I suggest putting rolled up blankets on either side of her to help keep her from rolling at night, at least until she gets the hang of getting herself back up when she's on her belly. I hope something works out, it can be scary the first year because of all of these unknowns. Hope some of this helps!

ta78

It is scary, but she will figure it out before you know it. I would just keep letting her do it multiple times a day. Maybe help her turn her head to the side.. then let her put her face back if she wants for a little while and turn it again.. just keep doing it. Let her stay like that a little longer each time, as much as you're comfortable with.

Good luck. 

Eags

ta78:

It is scary, but she will figure it out before you know it. I would just keep letting her do it multiple times a day. Maybe help her turn her head to the side.. then let her put her face back if she wants for a little while and turn it again.. just keep doing it. Let her stay like that a little longer each time, as much as you're comfortable with.

Good luck. 

 We have the same issue. I let him have his head there for a min or so and then help turn it to one side.  

sbevmc09

Honestly, I wouldn't be too concerned about it.  I'm sure it's because she's just tired from holding it up (and being a little dramatic ).  I don't think she'll smother herself.  I'm sure she can breathe just fine face down.  If she's having air flow problems I'm sure she'll turn her head herself.  I doubt she'll do the same thing while sleeping because she's probably not exerting herself so much before she goes to sleep, KWIM?  

this decaf life

Thanks ladies, it's just crazy to watch her lay their flailing her arms like she can't breathe! I also think because she never did it until about a week ago it seemed weird but I'll let her go longer so she figures it out on her own!

PathwaysMom

If you keep up the Tummy Time, she will get stronger and be able to consistently hold up her head and turn over. Tummy Time should always be supervised. You can even work it in after every diaper change so your LO will come to expect it. I would also suggest making sure there are no fluffy pillows or blankets in her crib with her for safety reasons.  If you want tips on how to make TT easier, check this out: https://bit.ly/YDanN1