Tummy Time
Tummy time is an important part of your baby's daily routine and plays a key role in healthy growth and development. By spending supervised time on their tummy while awake, babies build the muscles they need for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Tummy time also helps prevent flat spots from developing on the back of the head and encourages exploration of the world around them. Starting early and making tummy time part of your daily routine can help your baby gain strength and confidence as they reach important developmental milestones.
Benefits of Tummy Time
- Strengthens your baby's neck, shoulder, back, and arm muscles.
- Promotes motor skill development needed for rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking.
- Helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head (positional plagiocephaly: a condition where an infant develops a flattened spot on the side or back of the head due to soft skull bones and constant pressure in one spot).
- Encourages hand eye coordination and sensory development.
- Improves balance and body awareness.
- Builds the muscle strength needed for future physical milestones.
When to Introduce Tummy Time
- Begin tummy time as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital, provided they are healthy and awake.
- Start with short sessions of 2–5 minutes, two to three times a day.
- Gradually increase the length and frequency as your baby grows stronger.
- Aim for about 15–30 minutes total each day by 2 months of age.
- Work toward approximately 60 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day by 3 months of age.
- Always supervise the baby during tummy time and never leave the baby unattended or on an uneven surface.
- Contact your child’s medical provider if you have any questions or concerns while introducing tummy time.
How to Do Tummy Time
- Always place your baby on a firm, safe surface while they are awake and supervised.
- Lay your baby on their tummy on a clean blanket or play mat.
- Get down to your baby's eye level to talk, smile, and encourage interaction.
- Use colorful toys, mirrors, or books to keep your baby engaged.
- Try tummy time on your chest or across your lap if your baby does not like the floor.
- Practice after diaper changes or naps when your baby is alert and content. Do not attempt tummy time if your baby is hungry, sick or uncomfortable.
- Stop if your baby becomes overly upset, and try again later.
Safety Tips
- Always supervise your baby during tummy time.
- Never place your baby on their tummy for sleep. Babies should always sleep on their backs.
- Avoid tummy time immediately after feeding to reduce the chance of spit-up and upset stomach. .
Tummy time is a simple but important activity that supports your baby's physical development. By starting early, practicing daily, and making it a fun, interactive experience, you can help your baby build the strength and coordination needed for future milestones.
