my son keeps trying to suffocate himself

My son is 3.5 months old and we are doing tummy time with him but when he gets tired of holding his head up, he just lets it fall right into the mat and makes absolutely no attempt to turn his head so he can breath. I keep trying to turn his head for him so he will know what to do and he turns it back to center. The reason for my concern is that my ped. said he should be turning his head to avoid suffocation, but he just will not do it. Any tips for helping him?

p.s. - don't worry I would never leave him alone for a second on his tummy.

Re: my son keeps trying to suffocate himself

Can you try to get a toy that makes noise and try to have him turn once his head is down?

Re: my son keeps trying to suffocate himself

I have no tips, but DD used to does this. She won't let her head drop, but she would bury her face and wine a bit. Maybe try to stimulate him with a bright colored toy to look at.