A nice activity to do with your baby is called Tummy Time.

This activity helps bring you and your baby closer together; it also helps prevent baby from developing a flat head and it promotes healthy muscle development.

It is important to remember to put your baby on his tummy only when he is awake and never when he is asleep. If your baby falls asleep while you are doing this activity, turn your baby over so he is sleeping on his back, or pick him up and place him in his crib on his back.

Tummy Time 

• Place a clean blanket on the floor.
• Place your baby on top of the blanket on her tummy.
• Use brightly coloured toys or a childproofed mirror directly in front of her to help hold her attention.
• You are the most interesting object for your baby. Get down on the floor with your face directly in front of her so she can see the most important person in her life. Talk to her, sing to your baby, and tell her what a great job she is doing with holding her head up.

If your baby is very unhappy being on his tummy, here are a couple of suggestions.

• Place your baby on your chest when he is awake. This will help him get used to being on his tummy and he will try to pick up his head so he can see your face.
• You can also give your baby support by rolling up a towel or receiving blanket and put it under his chest. Make sure you put his arms in front of the towel. This will help your baby stay on his tummy a little longer.
• Help your baby by only giving him several brief periods on his tummy throughout the day. Start with 5 minutes and then gradually increase the time, until he can play from 20 to 30 minutes.

There are several agencies in the Windsor-Essex County area that provide programs (i.e. The Parent- Child Mother Goose Program) to help parents with parenting tips. Here are a few suggestions: 

• Libraries
• Ontario Early Years Centers
• Windsor - Essex County Health Unit
• Ready Set Go

For more information call the Intake Nurse:

• Windsor-Essex County Local calls: 519-258-2146 ext. 1350
• Long distance calls: 1-800-265-5822 ext. 1350
• E-mail: intake@wechealunit.org