When you first hear about tummy time, it might sound like just another thing to add to your already full plate. But here’s the truth: this small daily habit can make a big difference in how your baby grows, moves, and builds strength
What Is Tummy Time And When Should You Start?
Tummy time is when your baby lies on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. That last part’s important: tummy time only happens when your baby is awake and watched. It’s not naptime on their belly—it’s playtime, eye-contact time, get-stronger time.
You can start tummy time as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital. Really. In those early days, even one or two minutes at a time is enough. Lay them belly-down on your chest or across your lap. Keep it low-pressure. What matters most is consistency.
Back To Sleep, Tummy To Play
You may have heard the phrase “back to sleep, tummy to play.” It’s more than just a catchy line—it’s a reminder of two key things: always place your baby on their back for sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and always give them plenty of time on their tummy while they’re awake and supervised to build strength and motor skills.
Newborn tummy time doesn’t have to look like the pictures of older babies surrounded by toys on a mat. It can start with small moments throughout the day: a few minutes after a diaper change, on your chest during skin-to-skin time, or over your lap while you’re sitting comfortably.
Safe Positions
One helpful position is placing your baby tummy-down across your knees while you sit in a chair. Keep one foot on a footstool, the other flat, with your hip and knee at a right angle. This supports the baby gently while freeing their arms for movement.
Another often-asked question is whether laid-back breastfeeding counts as tummy time. The answer is yes. The biological nursing position actually gives your baby the chance to push and lift in a way that supports early motor development.
The Big Benefits
Here’s what regular tummy time can do for your baby:
- Strengthens core, neck, and shoulder muscles (hello, head control!)
- Prepares for milestones like rolling, crawling, sitting, and walking
- Prevents flat spots on the back of the head (called positional plagiocephaly)
- Boosts motor skills and body awareness
- Encourages visual development as they look around and track movement
- Eases trapped gas when done about 30 minutes after feeding
Tummy time supports your baby’s physical and brain development. Studies even show babies who get enough of it hit their motor milestones earlier. Think of it as the foundation for all the big moves your baby will make in their first year.
How Much Tummy Time Do Babies Need?
This part can feel confusing, but here’s a simple guide you can actually use:
- Newborn to 1 Month: Start with 1–2 minutes, 2–3 times a day
- 1–2 Months: Work up to 10–15 minutes total per day
- 3–4 Months: Aim for 20–30 minutes, spread out
- 5–6 Months and Up: Try for 30–60 minutes total each day, broken into short sessions
You don’t need to watch the clock. A little here, a little there. After diaper changes, before naps, or when you’re on the floor chatting with your baby. It adds up.
What If Your Baby Hates Tummy Time?
You are not alone if your baby fusses or cries during tummy time. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, and it doesn’t mean your baby hates it forever. Try these low-stress ways to help:
- Lay baby on your chest while you recline so they can see your face
- Use a rolled towel under their chest for support
- Get down on the floor and make silly faces
- Use a mirror or soft toys to catch their attention
- Keep sessions short and stop before frustration builds
Consistency is the secret. The more you do it, the stronger and more comfortable your baby will get.
Tummy Time For Preemies And Babies With Low Muscle Tone
If your baby was born early or has low muscle tone (you might hear this called “hypotonia”), tummy time is still important—and maybe even more so. Babies with conditions like Down syndrome often benefit from starting tummy time early, with extra support.
Talk to your pediatrician or physical therapist. They may suggest starting with extra cushioning, shorter sessions, or specific positions that feel safer and more doable. The key is: it’s not all or nothing. Every minute counts.
Sensory And Motor Development During Tummy Time
Tummy time also supports your baby’s sensory system. Changing surfaces—like a blanket, a textured mat, or your skin—gives your baby a chance to feel different sensations. This helps develop their sense of touch.
At the same time, lifting their head and pushing with their arms gives your baby feedback on where their body is in space. This is called proprioception, and it’s key for balance and coordination.
Tummy time also develops the vestibular system, which helps your baby sense movement and stay balanced. As they lift, turn, and shift during tummy time, they’re training their brain and body for crawling, sitting, and eventually walking.
And there’s more: when your baby is on their tummy, they have a better view of the world. Unlike swings or car seats that limit their view, tummy time encourages them to lift their head, scan their surroundings, and track movement—all of which support visual development.
Final Thoughts
You’re not just putting your baby on their tummy. You’re laying the groundwork for rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and beyond.
So breathe, take it one step at a time, and know you’re doing a great job.
Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- 1. Tummy Time and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review — PubMed (2020). This systematic review covers 16 studies across 8 countries and confirms strong evidence that tummy time supports gross motor development, prevents flat head syndrome, and improves overall development in infants.
- Benefits | Safe to Sleep® — National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). A parent-facing, science-backed explanation of tummy time’s importance, from a trusted U.S. government source on infant health and sleep safety.
- To Grow Up Healthy, Children Need to Sit Less and Play More — World Health Organization (2019-04-24). This global guideline outlines the WHO’s recommendation for daily stomach time in infants under one year old as part of healthy movement behaviors.
- Longitudinal Associations Between Infant Movement Behaviours and Developmental Outcomes — International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2022). A peer-reviewed study showing that infants who spend more time in stomach time reach developmental milestones earlier and with stronger motor skills.
