Few phrases cause more sighs from new parents than "tummy time." Many babies protest loudly when placed on their stomachs, and parents often wonder if the struggle is really worth it. The short answer: yes, absolutely. Tummy time is crucial for motor development, and with the right approach and engaging toys, it can become an enjoyable part of your daily routine. This guide will help you understand why tummy time matters and how to make it work for even the most reluctant baby.
Tummy time builds the neck, shoulder, arm, and core muscles babies need for rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. Without adequate tummy time, babies may experience delayed motor milestones.
Understanding Tummy Time Benefits
Before the "Back to Sleep" campaign began in the 1990s to reduce SIDS, babies spent significant time on their tummies during sleep and play. Now that babies sleep on their backs (as they should), supervised tummy time during waking hours has become essential to compensate for reduced prone positioning.
Physical Benefits
When babies lift their heads during tummy time, they strengthen neck muscles that support head control. Pushing up on arms builds shoulder and upper body strength needed for crawling. Core muscles develop as babies work to maintain the position. Even leg kicks during tummy time build lower body strength. These interconnected muscle groups work together for all future gross motor skills.
Preventing Flat Spots
Extended time lying on the back can cause positional plagiocephaly—flat spots on the skull. Tummy time relieves pressure on the back of the head, allowing the skull to maintain its natural shape. Paediatric guidelines recommend tummy time partly for this reason.
Visual and Cognitive Development
Tummy time allows babies to see the world from a new perspective. They practice tracking objects, focusing at different distances, and taking in visual stimulation they miss while on their backs. This varied visual experience supports brain development and eye coordination.
Sensory Exploration
Different surfaces offer varied tactile experiences during tummy time—smooth play mats, textured blankets, grass outdoors. Babies experience gravity differently when prone, providing proprioceptive input. The position also offers new views and sounds for auditory and visual exploration.
When to Start
Tummy time can begin from day one! Start with short sessions (1-2 minutes) several times daily on your chest or lap. Gradually increase duration as your baby builds strength and tolerance.
Age-Appropriate Tummy Time
Newborn to 6 Weeks
Very young babies have limited head control and tire quickly. The best tummy time positions at this age involve placing baby on your chest while you recline, or laying them across your lap. These positions provide the prone experience with comforting contact. Aim for 2-3 short sessions daily, even just a minute or two each.
6 Weeks to 3 Months
As neck strength improves, babies can spend more time on a floor mat. They may begin lifting their heads briefly and pushing slightly on forearms. Sessions can extend to 3-5 minutes, with several sessions throughout the day. High-contrast toys placed at eye level capture attention and encourage head lifting.
3 to 6 Months
Strength improves dramatically during this period. Babies push up on extended arms, may rock or pivot, and spend increasingly long periods happily on their tummies. Many babies begin rolling from tummy to back around 4 months. Daily accumulated tummy time should reach 30-60 minutes across multiple sessions.
6 Months and Beyond
By 6 months, most babies tolerate tummy time well and may prefer it to lying on their backs. They're working toward crawling—rocking on hands and knees, scooting backwards before figuring out forward motion. Tummy time naturally becomes floor play time as babies gain mobility.
Toys That Make Tummy Time Engaging
Tummy Time-Specific Toys
- Tummy time pillows: Wedge-shaped cushions that elevate baby's chest, making head lifting easier. Reduces frustration for babies who struggle flat on the floor.
- Water mats: Inflatable mats filled with water and floating toys. The movement and colour capture attention while providing a unique tactile experience.
- Tummy time mirrors: Floor mirrors let babies see themselves during tummy time. Babies are fascinated by faces, including their own reflection.
Engaging Play Mat Features
- Crinkle patches: Textured areas that make sounds when touched encourage reaching and exploration.
- Attached toys: Toys secured to the mat stay within reach, rewarding baby's efforts to grasp.
- Multiple textures: Varied materials across the mat provide sensory interest.
Simple Toys That Work
- Board books: Propped open in front of baby, they provide visual stimulation and can be changed regularly.
- Rattles: Placed just within reach, they encourage stretching and reward successful grabs with sound.
- Soft balls: Light balls that roll slowly when batted encourage visual tracking and reaching.
- High-contrast cards: Black and white patterns capture newborn attention effectively.
Keep tummy time interesting by rotating toys regularly. Yesterday's favourite might be boring today. Fresh toys recapture attention and extend tolerance for the position.
Tips for Reluctant Babies
Many babies initially dislike tummy time, and that's normal. The position is hard work for developing muscles, and some babies voice their displeasure loudly. Here's how to help:
Start Small
If your baby screams after 30 seconds, don't push for 5 minutes. End each session before meltdown point. Multiple very short sessions are more effective than one prolonged battle. Gradually extend as tolerance builds.
Time It Right
Choose moments when your baby is alert but calm—not tired, hungry, or just fed. Many parents find success with tummy time after nappy changes, when baby is awake and the floor is already in use.
Get on Their Level
Lie face-to-face with your baby during tummy time. Your face is more interesting than any toy! Talk, sing, and make silly expressions. This connection makes the effort worthwhile from baby's perspective.
Try Different Surfaces
Some babies prefer certain surfaces. Try your chest, a firm pillow, across your lap, on a yoga ball (with full support), or on the floor. Outdoor tummy time on a blanket in the grass offers completely different sensory experiences.
Use Props Wisely
Rolled towels under the chest can provide some lift, reducing the effort needed. Nursing pillows curve around baby for supported tummy time. Tummy time wedges specifically designed for this purpose work well for persistent protesters.
Patience Pays Off
Most babies who dislike tummy time initially come to enjoy it as they gain strength. The first few weeks are often the hardest. Persistence—in small, positive doses—leads to acceptance.
Making Tummy Time a Routine
Build It Into Daily Activities
Rather than scheduling specific "tummy time sessions," weave prone play into natural transitions. A minute or two of tummy time after each nappy change adds up. A brief session while you fold laundry nearby makes it feel less formal. Tummy time before or after baths can become part of the routine.
Join In
Tummy time isn't something baby does alone while you watch. Get on the floor together! Siblings can lie face-to-face with baby. Pets (supervised carefully) provide entertainment. A parent doing stretches nearby models the prone position and provides company.
Track Progress
Note improvements in your baby's tummy time abilities. The first time they lift their head, push up on forearms, reach for a toy—these milestones happen because of accumulated practice. Celebrating progress makes the daily effort feel worthwhile.
When to Seek Advice
While most babies learn to tolerate and eventually enjoy tummy time, some signs warrant a chat with your child health nurse or paediatrician:
- No head lift at all by 3 months
- Strong preference for turning head only one direction (may indicate torticollis)
- Extreme distress that doesn't improve with different approaches
- Unusual arching or muscle tone during tummy time
These don't necessarily indicate problems, but professional guidance can help address any underlying issues and provide tailored strategies for your baby.
Every minute of tummy time counts. Some babies take longer to build tolerance, and that's okay. Consistent, positive, short sessions add up to the muscle strength and motor development your baby needs. You've got this!
Tummy time might not be your baby's favourite activity at first, but it's one of the most important things you can provide for their physical development. With the right toys, creative approaches, and patient persistence, even the most reluctant baby can learn to enjoy floor time. Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate every hard-won second of head-lifting success. Your baby's future crawling, sitting, and walking depend on the strength built during these early tummy time sessions.