Why Is My Baby Swimming During Tummy Time?
For more resources like this, check out these other Movement Mama posts:
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Baby Crying in Tummy Time? I got you!
Toys to Encourage Baby to Roll
After months of making tummy time a priority, it can be alarming when they no longer want to place their hands down! But take heart, sis! Your little swimmer is one step closer to crawling! This position is called the Landau reflex and typically appears around 4 months of age and should be mostly gone by their first birthday. This is one of the precursors you’ll see before your baby begins to roll. You can find more tips to encourage that skill in my Roll on Track Course!
Keep reading for even more insights…
This reflex prepares your babe for being on all fours and eventually crawling, but is also important to eliminating other reflexes that can be problematic if they persist.
So, try the idea from the video above with different textures: soft and fuzzy, spiky, crinkly, wet, cold, warm, etc. and see how your babe begins to bring those swimming arms down and press their little bodies up! But note: the more they swim, the closer they will be to getting rid of this reflex—so unless they’re frustrated, just let them keep swimming :)
Also take heart that the swimming means their brain is GROWING and it’s also OK to just let them be Dory for a bit!
