TumZee

As many of you know, Penelope was diagnosed with Plagiocephaly about a month ago.  We attended a class at the ACH where it was determined she didn't have any muscle stiffness in her neck and no physiotherapy was required.  We were told however that she needed lots + lots + lots + lots of tummy time.  However, that is easier said then done.  

Finley never much cared for tummy time but Penelope has taken her dislike to a whole new level.  We tried everything to make Penn happy on her tummy.  Got her cool new tummy time musical toys from Toys R Us, used nursing pillows, used Finley's old tummy time mat, used rolled up towels - anything to make her enjoy it.  But nothing worked. 

My friend Lisa suggested using a Tumzee.  A friend of hers told her about it + was kind enough to share it with me.  When I told Greg about it, he said it was just another gimmick.  But then I thought, isn't the entire baby industry a gimmick?  So I did my research.  I searched + searched the web looking through review after review after review.   Everybody who has ever used it, loved it.  I couldn't find a single negative review regarding the Tumzee.  Maybe because it is quite new on the market, or maybe it is simply that awesome.

Here is what I found on their site:

TUMZEE has been designed for babies, from birth to crawling age. The unique design enables babies to be propped up on their stomachs on an incline, which helps reduce the frustration babies incur during this learning experience. Once babies are able to roll over they do not spend any time on their tummies anymore and TUMZEEallows them to spend time on their stomach without rolling over or getting out of it. It also has a "T" support which will keep them from sliding down. Since they are propped up they are able to see the surrounding environment and play with toys developing neck and back muscles as well.

Penelope's head still looks quite flat and I was getting desperate and I really don't want a band for her so I decided I was going to buy one.  According to www.tumzee.ca the only Calgary retailer was Edamame Kids in Marda Loop.  I was going to head there when Greg called me + said he was pretty sure iBambini in TD Square had them too so he would go after work to get one.  I was so excited!

But as luck would have it, I just happened to check out Kijiji and there was one just posted!  I emailed her and offered her $40.00 and she sold it to me.  It retails for $59.99 plus tax.  She said it worked wonders for her little guy and was convinced that it was he didn't have to get a band.   The only downside was that she lived in Tuscany and if you are familiar with Calgary you know that I live nowhere close to there.  But I picked Greg up from work and off we went.  Total round trip: 2 hours, 16 minutes.

So Penelope doesn't like it as much as I had hoped she would.  For some reason, I  just assumed that it would be this magical device that she would love + spend hours watching her sister play and her head would be back to normal in no time.  But I was wrong.

But she does tolerate it longer then all other forms of tummy time we have tried (other then her sleeping on us - she LOVES that).  And Tuesday, which was our first full day with the Tumzee, was a good day and we eclipsed our 2 hour mandatory tummy time by a mile.  Don't get me wrong, she would still rather be on her back but we are getting there!  I even let her lay in her activity mat on her back and watch the lights + listen to the music as a reward for her good behavior.  No need to worry, I made she was facing left the entire time.

Let's hope we have the same successes as others using this product.

Oh and the best part?  It's made in Canada!!