Tummy Time: What Is It and How to Do It
In those early weeks with a newborn, it’s easy to feel unsure about what you should be doing with your baby, aside from feeding, changing, and soaking in those snuggles. One simple, meaningful activity you can start right away is tummy time.
Tummy time is more than just placing your baby on their belly—it’s a foundational exercise that supports physical development, motor skills, and sensory growth. It’s been proven to help babies build the strength and coordination they need to reach important milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling. The best part? It doesn’t take much time, and it can easily become a part of your daily routine.
Key Takeaways
Tummy time helps your baby build strength and coordination for future milestones.
Start tummy time early and keep sessions short and positive.
Adjust your approach as your baby grows and becomes more alert.
A consistent tummy time routine supports healthy development and can be enjoyable for both of you.
What Is Tummy Time?
Tummy time refers to the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. This simple activity helps babies build the muscles in their neck, shoulders, arms, and back—all of which are essential for motor development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting tummy time as early as the first day home from the hospital, gradually increasing the amount of time each day as your baby grows stronger. Over time, these short daily sessions help lay the foundation for bigger developmental leaps like crawling and sitting independently. Tummy time also allows babies to explore their surroundings in a new way, offering opportunities for sensory input and bonding through face-to-face interaction.
Additionally, tummy time can serve as a great screen-free, toy-free bonding experience. Babies benefit simply from your voice, your face, and your presence. It’s a small act that can have long-lasting developmental benefits.
Tummy Time Benefits
Tummy time is one of the most important—and often underestimated—activities in your baby's first year. Some key benefits include:
Builds muscle strength in the neck, shoulders, arms, and core
Promotes motor development including rolling, crawling, and sitting
Reduces the risk of flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly)
Supports visual and sensory development through different perspectives and stimulation
Improves coordination by encouraging baby to lift and turn their head
Encourages social interaction through face-to-face play while on the tummy
How to Do Tummy Time
Tummy time can be adapted as your baby grows. Here’s how to tailor your approach based on your baby’s age and developmental stage:
Newborns (0–3 months)
For newborns, tummy time should start gently and gradually. Begin with short sessions—just one to two minutes at a time—a few times a day. You can place your baby on a firm, flat surface like a play mat or a folded blanket, or even start with tummy time on your chest while you recline. This position allows your baby to practice lifting their head while staying close to you, which can feel more comforting in those early days. You might notice they only lift their head briefly or turn it side to side, and that’s perfectly fine. Encouraging interaction—through talking, singing, or making eye contact—can help keep them engaged and offer some encouragement as they work against gravity. As your baby gets stronger and more familiar with the position, you can slowly increase the length of tummy time sessions, aiming for about 10–15 minutes total per day by the end of the first month. Even if your baby isn’t a fan at first, consistency and patience go a long way.
Older Babies (3+ months)
Once your baby has more head and upper body control—usually around three months—you can begin increasing both the length and frequency of tummy time sessions. At this stage, babies may enjoy spending 10 to 15 minutes on their tummy at a time, several times a day. Their strength and curiosity are growing, which makes it a great opportunity to introduce more interactive play. Use colorful toys, baby-safe mirrors, or soft books to encourage your little one to reach, push up, or even begin turning side to side. Placing objects just out of reach can motivate movement and support their coordination development. You might notice your baby propping up on their forearms or starting to pivot—these are all signs that tummy time is working. Keeping sessions positive and playful helps build your baby's confidence and keeps the experience enjoyable for both of you.
Tummy Time Safety Considerations
While tummy time is safe when done correctly, a few safety tips can help keep your baby comfortable and protected:
Always supervise tummy time. Never leave your baby unattended on their belly.
Use a firm, flat surface like a play mat or blanket on the floor.
Avoid doing tummy time right after a feeding to reduce the chance of spit-up or discomfort.
Stop if your baby becomes too fussy or tired. You can always try again later.
Keep pets and older siblings away during tummy time to avoid accidents.
Dress your baby comfortably. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that may limit movement.
Tips for Tummy Time
Making tummy time a positive experience can go a long way toward helping your baby enjoy it. Here are a few tips to get started:
Make it part of your routine. Try after diaper changes or naps. Repetition helps build comfort and familiarity.
Lay down with your baby. Your face is their favorite toy, and your presence can soothe them if they become frustrated.
Try chest-to-chest time. Recline and let baby practice on your body, especially in the early weeks when the floor may feel too big.
Use props. A rolled towel or tummy time pillow under the chest can help support early lifting.
Incorporate play. Use toys, music, or mirrors to keep things fun. Even a rattle or a high-contrast card can provide stimulation.
Celebrate small wins. Every minute counts, and consistency adds up over time. Don't worry if your baby doesn’t love it at first—most don’t!
Bottom Line
Tummy time may seem simple, but it has a big impact on your baby’s development. With just a few minutes each day, you’re helping them build the strength and skills they’ll use to explore the world around them.
If you’re looking for more support during those early months, check out Birthly’s live, online classes to help guide you through newborn care, developmental milestones, and more.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1355184124002199
https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/tummy-time
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tummy-time-benefits https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/health-wellness-and-safety-resources/helping-hands/tummy-time