Tummy Time may be the Best Time
Tummy time may be one of the best things you can do for your baby. At birth a newborn has little or no strength in their neck to lift their head. This muscle and skill needs to be practiced and strengthened just as any other muscle in the body. The sooner your baby can independently hold their head up, the sooner you can stop worrying about that wobbly newborn head!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that starting tummy time is never too early. Try placing your newborn on their tummy in a well supervised situation. A flat surface is best to avoid any chance of soft bedding from blocking their airway. Start tummy time after a good nap or a diaper change when your baby appears to be in a pleasant mood. The first day try 3-5 minutes depending on their reaction. If baby fusses, wait and try again later. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day to help your baby strengthen those important neck muscles that will help her hold her head up and get a whole new outlook on life!
If you baby is not happy on her tummy, try placing a toy in front of them to work towards. Baby gear manufacturers sell many types of baby tummy time mats to help this process be more enjoyable, but are completely up to the parents to decide if their baby needs this.
A way to change up tummy time is to use a nursing pillow and prop your baby up on their tummy with their arms over the top (as if they were trying to crawl over the top). This gives the baby a whole new perspective and they may enjoy this position more than the floor.