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Tummy Time Parent Resource | Tummy Time & Learning to Roll Book Launch
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I'm beyond excited to share something that's been a labor of love and anticipation for me. My fourth book, "Tummy Time and Learning to Roll," has officially launched on Amazon! The video linked below is my launch video when the book was first live on Amazon in October 2023.
I hope you enjoy this look back in time at what it was like to launch my fourth book as well as how it can help parents help their babies learn to roll over.
This journey of creating a resource for both ambitious parents and pediatric healthcare providers has been incredibly rewarding, and I couldn't wait to dive into this live session to celebrate with you all (then) and write this blog post to relive that celebration now.
The Birth of a Book
In the video I show you what an author proof looks like, what they send authors to make sure that the book looks how they want it and is being printed in the correct manner. These books have a ribbon around the book cover, so it’s easy to see that they are not meant to be resold.
My author proof that I showed in the video was marked with edits and adjustments, representing countless hours of passion poured onto these pages. When I edit my books, I read them out loud and then make any changes if it doesn’t sound or come across exactly how I wanted it to, in my head.
It might sound crazy but I read this book out loud twice for a total of 80 hours of editing, JUST in that one way. I also utilized grammarly and a few beta readers to help with grammar and make sure that things made sense not just to therapists but also to parents of babies who are 4-6 months old.
It's a bit surreal to see the transition from rounds of edits to a live listing on Amazon. For those curious, I've dropped the link in the description of the video and it is also located in the blog post here.
Why This Book?
Navigating the realms of tummy time and rolling can sometimes feel to parents like they need to decode a mystery.
They have questions like, "Why does my baby roll one way but not the other?" or "Why do they seem to prefer rolling over one arm?" and those questions inspired me to compile a guide that offers clear, comforting answers and actionable strategies.
Because the truth is, often our answers to what is blocking a baby from moving in all directions, can be found in HOW they are choosing to move. The movements they are already making are meaningful and if you had the information to understand the movements, you’d be able to influence them and help your kid.
Diving Deep into Development
Let's peel back the cover and explore what makes this book a must-have:
Comprehensive Guidance: With over 240 pictures, this book illustrates various playful interactions, outdoor activities, and toy suggestions to enhance your baby's tummy time experience. It's a visual party designed to inspire and educate.
My favorite is the newborn section, because those babies are so little and sweet, plus it’s often hard to find examples of tummy time for newborns but we’ve got it here. Not just tummy time, too, newborn play in all positions.
Beyond Tummy Time: The journey from tummy time through to rolling is filled with building blocks - sidelying play, back play, and the intricacies of muscular and musculoskeletal development. This book covers them all, ensuring you have a holistic understanding of your baby's physical growth.
For The Proactive Parent: I know you're not just looking for a "what to do" but a "why to do it." This book delves into how each aspect of movement connects to future milestones, equipping you with the knowledge to support your baby's journey effectively.
A Resource for Every Step
What excites me most about this book is its potential to be a starting point for anyone. Whether you're navigating the initial stages of tummy time with a newborn or facing challenges with a five-month-old not rolling yet, there's something here for you.
This book emphasizes a philosophy dear to my heart - building slowly over time, respecting your baby's tolerance, and appreciating that every little progress (even 15 seconds!) is a victory.
A Sneak Peek into Strategic Play
Let me share a bit more about what's inside.
Modified Positions: Understanding that not every baby will take to tummy time like a duck to water, the book provides modified positions and strategies to make this crucial activity more enjoyable for both you and your baby.
In fact, for most babies, I love modified positions because it allows them to build their endurance because the workload of being in a modified position is less than being flat on the floor.
The Foundation of Rolling: The book explores the various play positions (right side, left side, back, and tummy time) as foundational elements for rolling, offering insights into how you can support your baby's development in each area.
It also talks about what is happening in the body in order for a baby to be successful in rolling, did you know there are two different types of rolling for both back to belly and belly to back? All four are explained in the book.
A Special Invitation
Alongside the book, you'll gain access to a free online video course (it’s linked in the book!). Because sometimes, seeing the movement in action can clarify what words on a page can only hint at. It's like having a pediatric physical therapist right there with you, guiding you through each step.
Looking Ahead
This book marks the beginning of the Proactive Play Series, with more resources on the way to cover sitting, crawling, and walking. Even if the books for these stages aren't available yet, the rolling course provides a foundation and access to further learning through the included online courses.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To everyone who's joined this live session or is catching up later (and now reading this blog post!), thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your proactive approach to parenting, your thirst for knowledge, and your dedication to your baby's development inspire me every day.
Curious About Learning More on Tummy Time, Rolling, or Both?
The absolute best book for parents on tummy time and rolling is: Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Learn to Roll Independently. The book comes with a free online video course to help parents fully understand how to complete the different exercises, printable checklists to know exactly where your baby is at, and when to reach out for additional help.
This book was written by Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, DPT, ATC, MTC, who is a Pediatric Physical Therapist in Boise, Idaho, trained in helping parents learn how to help their babies move and master their milestones. She loves teaching parents how to see how their babies are moving as well as how to influence those movements though play positions and exercises to help babies move with confidence and ease.
Tummy Time and Learning to Roll is the first book in the Proactive Play series written by Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Lauren Baker in order to help Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers learn how to help babies master tummy time and learn to roll. It is meant to help ambitious parents understand baby development from birth to six months (tummy time to rolling).
This book is a mix of easy-to-follow and more in-depth information than is typically found in baby development books because Dr. Baker believes parents deserve to have all the information at their fingertips.
This book breaks down each piece of movement in checklists so that parents know what their babies need for tummy time and rolling. It also covers what areas might limit a child with rolling, why it is so important, and when to seek help from a pediatric PT.
This book comes with colored photos and easy-to-follow demonstration videos that can help parents implement safe, strategic play-based exercises with their babies in 20 minutes per day.
A Great Resource For:
Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers of babies 0-6 months
Parents of babies who are struggling with tummy time, rolling back to belly, belly to back, or only to one side
Access to simple, easy-to-follow videos of play positions and exercises
Learning the four pillars of movement needed in order to master rolling
240+ Color Photo Examples of:
Tummy Time, Sidelying, and Back Play
Developmental Toys and Equipment
Hand Placement and Strategic Play Positions
Common Areas of Restriction or Weakness
When To Reach Out For Help
What If You Want Extra Help?
If you have concerns about their movement, remember, you can always reach out to a pediatric physical therapist. It's your right as a parent to advocate for your child's development.
Sometimes, a few tips and tricks are all you need to get your baby moving better. We're here to support you and release those mama worries. If you are looking for in home pediatric physical therapy, check our listing of therapists.
For those eager to learn more or seeking personalized guidance, I offer online video parent consultations internationally which can be scheduled by clicking here. I am dedicated to answering questions and providing tailored play activities for each unique developmental journey.
When Should Babies Receive Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Parents can call and schedule with a Pediatric Physical Therapist at any time, for any concern in all fifty states without a referral from their Pediatrician.
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated in all babies who are not rolling in all four directions by six months (back to belly over their right arm AND left arm + belly to back over their right arm AND left arm).
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated if you notice a flat spot on the back of an infants head (possible plagiocephaly), a tilt of their head consistently to one side (ear to shoulder - possible torticollis), or a rotation preference of their neck (consistently look only to the right or left - possible torticollis).
Many Pediatric Physical Therapists including Dr. Baker, can successfully treat flat spots (Plagiocephaly) without a helmet with a combination of therapy and positioning strategies if seen prior to 4 months (0-3 months is ideal). Dr. Baker uses the Baby Begin Method of repositioning.
Flat spots can be due to in-utero positioning, rotational preference (right sided flatness most common) and babies are at an increased risk for flatness if they are male, were breech, multiple birth, premature, have difficulty with tummy time, or are in containers > 2 hr/day.
Final Thoughts
If you have any questions about tummy time, rolling, or anything related to your baby's journey, please drop them in the comments of the video linked above. Whether you're here live or tuning in later, your thoughts and experiences matter. Let's continue to learn, grow, and celebrate each milestone together.
If you’ve already bought the tummy time and learning to roll book and found it helpful, please consider leaving a review by going to your orders on amazon, scrolling until you find the book, and clicking on the “leave a product review” button. Reviews are the number one thing you can do to help me increase the amount of parents who know this book exists.
Here's to tummy time, to rolling, and to every precious moment of discovery and growth ahead. You're doing an amazing job, and I'm here cheering you on every step of the way.
Book on How to Do Tummy Time | Author Unboxing of Tummy Time and Learning to Roll
this blog contains affiliate links
👋 Hello everyone! This is a blog post based on the youtube live I did to celebrate unboxing my new book: Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers in October 2023!
When I initially did the youtube live to share the moment with my channel and subscribers, it was quite an adventure with technology (I mean of course!). I loved sharing my new book with them and I am excited to share it here with you as well.
To watch the unboxing of my new book, "Tummy Time and Learning to Roll," check out the video linked below.
This book, crafted for ambitious parents and pediatric providers, aims to demystify the often challenging stages of tummy time and rolling, offering guidance to help babies roll independently.
Released in October 2023, when I first held it in my hands it felt surreal, and I'm thrilled to take you through this journey to share more about why I wrote this book and what it’s like to be a self-published author FOUR TIMES now :)
Why This Book?
As a pediatric physical therapist, I've seen firsthand how tummy time can be a struggle for both babies and parents. And rolling? Well, that's another story, with its own set of complexities.
Parents often ask me (or Google) questions like:
Why is my baby rolling in one direction but not the other?
Why over one arm but not the other?
Why does my baby hate tummy time?
When should my baby roll over?
What does it mean if my baby is not rolling over?
And…
Why is my baby not rolling over by… 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, etc.
These questions often linger in the minds of parents, and I wanted to create a resource that not only answers these but also provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and facilitating these crucial developmental stages.
I believe that parents are completely capable of influencing how their children move, if they are given access to information.
Do some children absolutely need Pediatric Physical Therapy? Yes.
But could parents truly influence their children’s ability to move if Physical Therapists took the time to educate them in a way that is accessible to the masses? Also, absolutely yes.
That is one of the reasons I feel so called to write books, because they are accessible internationally. In places where Pediatric Physical Therapy might not be.
So I am here, with those resources, for you to take action if that is something you are ready to do.
A Peek Inside Tummy Time and Learning to Roll:
A Baby Development Book for Parents
Let's dive into what makes this book a must-have for parents, caregivers, and pediatric providers:
Tailored for Parents and Providers: Initially titled for a clinician audience, I quickly realized my primary aim was to empower parents.
This book is, first and foremost, for you, the ambitious parent eager to support your baby's development. Pediatric healthcare providers looking to deepen their understanding of baby movement from a pediatric PT's perspective will find it equally beneficial.
The truth is, I included EVERYTHING – because some parents want that, heck some parents who do not have access to a Pediatric Physical Therapist in their area NEED THAT.
If you don’t, it’s totally encouraged to skip the more in depth sections – in fact – there is a “beginners route,” and a more “advanced route,” just so you know in advance which chapters might be a little more in depth.
Trust me, if it feels overwhelming, I would much rather you skip it than try to take on too much. Use this book as a workbook, in any way that feels right to you. It will always be there if you feel ready to tackle more.
More Than Just a Book: What sets this apart is its approachability and practicality. It's almost like having a pediatric PT in your pocket!
With checklists and step-by-step guides, it's designed to be your companion, helping you navigate the nuances of tummy time and rolling with confidence.
I don’t know about you, but I am ALL ABOUT A GOOD CHECKLIST.
When I have a problem, I want a step by step on how to solve: it’s how my brain works and I was happy to create three for you that are located in this book: tummy time, rolling back to belly, and rolling belly to back.
Unlocking the Free Online Video Course: Yes, you read that right. The book comes with a free online video course to visually guide you through each exercise and concept. This is about making sure you have all the tools and support you need, right at your fingertips.
If you have questions, parents can also find my Online Parent Consultation link to book 1:1 time throughout the course.
From Proofs to the Final Product
Receiving the author proofs was a moment of validation and anticipation. It allowed me to refine and ensure the book's message was clear: This is for parents and caregivers, ready to embark on a developmental journey with their little ones.
The final product, with its vibrant cover and detailed content, is something I'm incredibly proud of. I can’t quite explain what it’s like to hold something that you envisioned in your mind, in real life.
After countless hours and hours over eight months, I was finally able to hold all my work in my hands. It is absolute joy to know it exists to help others, if they need it or are curious about learning more on how babies develop what they need in order to roll.
If you’re curious, here are a few things about the writing process that might surprise you:
My favorite part: writing the book, while sitting at the lake house in GA with a cup of coffee, knowing that my words were some day going to help parents help their littles move well. I was also really surprised about how many mamas were excited to share photos of their babies to help make the book even better.
The hardest part: EDITING. oh my Lord, it is mentally exhausting. This is my longest book yet, and while it is best practice to hire an editor, at the time, I did not feel comfortable about putting the $1,000 to put up front (we were moving and I did not have a job and limited income coming in at the time).
I interviewed a few editors to see if the process would be helpful or needed. The honest part is that I felt kind of crappy NOT hiring an editor, even though this is book #4 and I haven’t hired one yet.
I do think, generally speaking, that hiring an editor is smart. In my case, instead, I had a few Physical Therapists read through the drafts and I paid a Mom friend with a baby in the rolling age to read through the entire book, bonus that she has an English degree.
Then once that was done, I read the entire book out loud twice.
And yes, I most definitely lost my voice on those days. But the amount of changes I made were definitely worth it.
The most creative part: I first felt called to write these books on NYE last year, when I created four book covers on accident in canva. I just thought it sounded like an awesome idea at the time. Once I had the covers created, they were so cute, I honestly couldn’t help myself but put my booty in a chair and write the book.
We’re now over a year from the moment that I first started writing this book (February 2023) and have three more to do, so onto Learning to Sit, in quarter two (April 2024).
The part that used to be really hard but was easy this time: formatting photos so that they look okay in kindle format. For those who haven’t done this before, you might not know that the way you create a book for paperback is MUCH easier than the format you need for it to be read-able on a kindle device. If you have pictures, a lot of authors will make it only available in pdf via kindle, which means you cannot access it on a kindle e-reader, much to my horror when purchasing these books on my own.
I was definitely refusing to be one of those authors, but to be honest, I’ve learned how to do everything from youtube myself so it took a bit of getting used to for the photos to not go completely crazy every time I uploaded it into the kindle website and previewed it (thank goodness for this function!).
When we created our first e-book in 2020, The Pediatric Exercise Handbook, it took me literally an entire month of 20+ hour weeks to figure out how to make it work well, and to be honest, by the end I wasn’t sure how I had even managed it.
This time, I did a little more research to format the pictures the correct way: “move with text,” and “in line with text.” And by correct, I mean it worked this time and hopefully it will next time. Either way it did not give me any trouble and took a few days instead of an entire month!
Inside the Book: A Closer Look
Tailored Sections for Every Stage: Whether you're a new parent figuring out newborn tummy time or a caregiver looking to address specific rolling challenges, there's something for everyone.
The book acknowledges that tummy time looks different for newborns and provides modified ways to make it more enjoyable and beneficial.
Inclusive and Empowering: I've ensured the book reflects the diverse roles in a baby's life, with images that include dads, uncles, and grandpas. It's important for every caregiver to see themselves in this journey, feeling empowered to engage in meaningful developmental play.
Beyond Tummy Time: Rolling involves more than just mastering tummy time. There are four essential positions, and this book covers them all, providing ideas, exercises, and insights to ensure a well-rounded developmental experience for your baby.
Practical Checklists and Exercises: The book is designed to be interactive, offering checklists and exercises that guide you through assessing and enhancing your baby's development. It encourages a proactive approach, empowering you to identify and address potential challenges early on.
to watch the full un-boxing watch the video below :)
Curious About Learning More on Tummy Time, Rolling, or Both?
The absolute best book for parents on tummy time and rolling is: Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Learn to Roll Independently. The book comes with a free online video course to help parents fully understand how to complete the different exercises, printable checklists to know exactly where your baby is at, and when to reach out for additional help.
This book was written by Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, DPT, ATC, MTC, who is a Pediatric Physical Therapist in Boise, Idaho, trained in helping parents learn how to help their babies move and master their milestones. She loves teaching parents how to see how their babies are moving as well as how to influence those movements though play positions and exercises to help babies move with confidence and ease.
Tummy Time and Learning to Roll is the first book in the Proactive Play series written by Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Lauren Baker in order to help Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers learn how to help babies master tummy time and learn to roll. It is meant to help ambitious parents understand baby development from birth to six months (tummy time to rolling).
This book is a mix of easy-to-follow and more in-depth information than is typically found in baby development books because Dr. Baker believes parents deserve to have all the information at their fingertips.
This book breaks down each piece of movement in checklists so that parents know what their babies need for tummy time and rolling. It also covers what areas might limit a child with rolling, why it is so important, and when to seek help from a pediatric PT.
This book comes with colored photos and easy-to-follow demonstration videos that can help parents implement safe, strategic play-based exercises with their babies in 20 minutes per day.
A Great Resource For:
Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers of babies 0-6 months
Parents of babies who are struggling with tummy time, rolling back to belly, belly to back, or only to one side
Access to simple, easy-to-follow videos of play positions and exercises
Learning the four pillars of movement needed in order to master rolling
240+ Color Photo Examples of:
Tummy Time, Sidelying, and Back Play
Developmental Toys and Equipment
Hand Placement and Strategic Play Positions
Common Areas of Restriction or Weakness
When To Reach Out For Help
What If You Want Extra Help?
If you have concerns about their movement, remember, you can always reach out to a pediatric physical therapist. It's your right as a parent to advocate for your child's development.
Sometimes, a few tips and tricks are all you need to get your baby moving better. We're here to support you and release those mama worries. If you are looking for in home pediatric physical therapy, check our listing of therapists.
For those eager to learn more or seeking personalized guidance, I offer online video parent consultations internationally which can be scheduled by clicking here. I am dedicated to answering questions and providing tailored play activities for each unique developmental journey.
When Should Babies Receive Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Parents can call and schedule with a Pediatric Physical Therapist at any time, for any concern in all fifty states without a referral from their Pediatrician.
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated in all babies who are not rolling in all four directions by six months (back to belly over their right arm AND left arm + belly to back over their right arm AND left arm).
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated if you notice a flat spot on the back of an infants head (possible plagiocephaly), a tilt of their head consistently to one side (ear to shoulder - possible torticollis), or a rotation preference of their neck (consistently look only to the right or left - possible torticollis).
Many Pediatric Physical Therapists including Dr. Baker, can successfully treat flat spots (Plagiocephaly) without a helmet with a combination of therapy and positioning strategies if seen prior to 4 months (0-3 months is ideal). Dr. Baker uses the Baby Begin Method of repositioning.
Flat spots can be due to in-utero positioning, rotational preference (right sided flatness most common) and babies are at an increased risk for flatness if they are male, were breech, multiple birth, premature, have difficulty with tummy time, or are in containers > 2 hr/day.
Final Thoughts
Writing "Tummy Time and Learning to Roll" has been a labor of love. My goal is to democratize access to pediatric physical therapy knowledge, ensuring every parent and caregiver has the information and tools they need to support their baby's growth and development.
If you're embarking on this journey, know that you're not alone. This book, coupled with the online resources, is here to support you every step of the way. Here's to embracing each milestone with knowledge, confidence, and joy.
For those interested, you'll find a link to purchase the book in the video description but also here and throughout this blog post. If you’ve already got the book and enjoyed it or found it helpful, please consider leaving a review and rating through amazon.
If you go to your orders on amazon, then find the book purchase, “leave a product review” should be the bottom button. I love reading about your feedback, experiences, and where the books have ended up. If you have questions they are always welcome, just book a 1:1 online parent consultation or leave a comment on the video linked above.
Let's continue this conversation and make sure you feel supported as you nurture your little ones' developmental journeys.
Tummy Time & Rolling
this page contains affiliate links
Curious About Learning More on Tummy Time, Rolling, or Both?
The absolute best book for parents on tummy time and rolling is: Tummy Time and Learning to Roll: A Baby Development Book for Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Learn to Roll Independently.
The book comes with a free online video course to help parents fully understand how to complete the different exercises, printable checklists to know exactly where your baby is at, and when to reach out for additional help.
This book was written by Dr. Lauren Baker, PT, DPT, ATC, MTC, who is a Pediatric Physical Therapist in Boise, Idaho, trained in helping parents learn how to help their babies move and master their milestones.
She loves teaching parents how to see how their babies are moving as well as how to influence those movements though play positions and exercises to help babies move with confidence and ease.
Tummy Time and Learning to Roll is the first book in the Proactive Play series written by Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Lauren Baker in order to help Ambitious Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers learn how to help babies master tummy time and learn to roll.
It is meant to help ambitious parents understand baby development from birth to six months (tummy time to rolling).
This book is a mix of easy-to-follow and more in-depth information than is typically found in baby development books because Dr. Baker believes parents deserve to have all the information at their fingertips.
This book breaks down each piece of movement in checklists so that parents know what their babies need for tummy time and rolling.
It also covers what areas might limit a child with rolling, why it is so important, and when to seek help from a pediatric PT.
This book comes with colored photos and easy-to-follow demonstration videos that can help parents implement safe, strategic play-based exercises with their babies in 20 minutes per day.
A Great Resource For:
Parents and Pediatric Healthcare Providers of babies 0-6 months
Parents of babies who are struggling with tummy time, rolling back to belly, belly to back, or only to one side
Access to simple, easy-to-follow videos of play positions and exercises
Learning the four pillars of movement needed in order to master rolling
240+ Color Photo Examples of:
Tummy Time, Sidelying, and Back Play
Developmental Toys and Equipment
Hand Placement and Strategic Play Positions
Common Areas of Restriction or Weakness
When To Reach Out For Help
What If You Want Extra Help?
If you have concerns about your baby’s ability to tolerate tummy time, have what they need to master rolling, or if they are not rolling and are over six months, remember, you can always reach out to a pediatric physical therapist.
It's your right as a parent to advocate for your child's development. Sometimes, a few tips and tricks are all you need to get your baby moving better.
I’m here to support you and release those worries.
For those eager to learn more or seeking personalized guidance, I offer online video parent consultations internationally and Pediatric Physical Therapy in Boise, ID and the Treasure Valley – which you can learn more about by scheduling a free 20 minute chat with me (Idaho only) or an online parent consultation by clicking here.
I am dedicated to answering questions and providing tailored play activities for each unique developmental journey.
When Should Babies Receive Pediatric Physical Therapy?
Parents can call and schedule with a Pediatric Physical Therapist at any time, for any concern in all fifty states without a referral from their Pediatrician.
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated in all babies who are not rolling in all four directions by six months (back to belly over their right arm AND left arm + belly to back over their right arm AND left arm).
Pediatric Physical Therapy is medically indicated if you notice a flat spot on the back of an infants head (possible plagiocephaly), a tilt of their head consistently to one side (ear to shoulder - possible torticollis), or a rotation preference of their neck (consistently look only to the right or left - possible torticollis).
Many Pediatric Physical Therapists including Dr. Baker, can successfully treat flat spots (Plagiocephaly) without a helmet with a combination of therapy and positioning strategies if seen prior to 4 months (0-3 months is ideal). Dr. Baker uses the Baby Begin Method of repositioning.
Flat spots can be due to in-utero positioning, rotational preference (right sided flatness most common) and babies are at an increased risk for flatness if they are male, were breech, multiple birth, premature, have difficulty with tummy time, or are in containers > 2 hr/day.