Tips to reduce the risk of the baby developing a flat spot on the back of their head:

• Alternate which end of the crib you place the baby’s feet at when you put them to bed. This will cause baby to naturally turn toward light or objects from different positions. 
• When your baby is awake, frequently change up where they spend time. Limit the time spent in swings, bouncy chairs, and car seats. 
• Spend time holding the baby in your arms as well as watching them play on the floor, both on their tummy and their back. 
• Whether you breastfeed or use a bottle, switch the side that your baby lays on halfway through feeding. 

Back to sleep, tummy to play 

Healthy babies are safest when sleeping on their backs at nighttime and during naps.  

Tummy time is for babies who are awake and being watched closely. Your baby needs tummy time to develop strong muscles.  

How much tummy time should an infant have?

When your baby is awake, put them on their tummy two or three times a day for three to five minutes each time. You can increase the time as your baby gets stronger and begins to like being on their tummy. 

Tummy time gets babies ready for holding up their head and crawling. As babies grow stronger, they will need more time on their tummies to keep building their strength. 

If baby doesn’t like being on her tummy

Some babies may not like the tummy time position at first. Place yourself or a toy in reach to play with. Eventually, your baby will enjoy tummy time and begin to enjoy playing in this position. 

How to play with baby during tummy time:  

• Place yourself or a toy just out of baby’s reach during playtime to get them to reach for you or the toy. 
• Place toys in a circle around the baby. Reaching for different objects in the circle will allow your baby to develop the muscles to roll over, scoot, and crawl. 
• Lie on your back and place the baby on your chest. Your baby will lift their head and use their arms to try to see your face.