Tummy Time Tips and Tricks

Tummy Time is an important part of each child’s early development. In this post, we’ll highlight why Tummy Time is so important and share some helpful Tummy Time tips and tricks to make it more enjoyable for everyone!

Let’s start with some important questions:

Why does my baby need Tummy Time? 

Tummy Time helps children develop important neck, back, and shoulder muscles. The muscles are needed to help achieve early motor milestones. Tummy Time may also help prevent motor delays and conditions such as Plagiocephaly and Torticollis. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep and on their tummies to play.

Tummy Time gives babies the opportunity to explore their world from a completely new perspective. While lying on their back, their view is mostly limited to the ceiling and the people or objects around them. In the tummy down position, babies begin to actively lift their head to look around at eye level, strengthening their neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles while encouraging visual exploration and curiosity.

As babies become stronger, they progress from lifting their head to pushing up on their forearms and eventually onto their hands. This weight-bearing through the arms is essential for developing shoulder stability, strengthening the hands and wrists, and building the foundation for future fine motor skills.

Why does my baby seem to dislike Tummy Time?

Tummy Time can be challenging, especially in the beginning! When your baby is on their tummy, they have to work against gravity to lift and hold their head up. The muscles of the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back are still developing and have not yet had much experience working in this position.

Your baby may also feel a little “stuck” or frustrated on their tummy because they do not yet have the skills to independently roll from tummy to back.

The good news? Tummy Time gets easier with practice! With a little creativity and support, you can help your baby build strength and confidence while making Tummy Time more enjoyable.

How do I make Tummy Time more fun?

Instead of simply placing your baby on their tummy and leaving them with a few toys, try incorporating movement into the experience.

Begin by gently helping your baby roll from back to belly and belly to back a few times. This is a great way to incorporate motor learning while showing your baby that they can move in and out of Tummy Time.

Talk to your baby as you guide them through these movements. Your voice can be both soothing and reassuring, while also encouraging them to look toward you and engage their head and neck muscles.

Try to make Tummy Time a regular part of your baby’s daily routine. As your baby adds Tummy Time to their “movement repertoire,” you will likely see improvements in their strength, comfort, and confidence.

How much Tummy Time does my baby need? 

Start by building your baby’s tolerance gradually. Try incorporating short periods of Tummy Time throughout the day rather than expecting your baby to tolerate one long session.

Aim for a few minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. As your baby gains strength and becomes more comfortable, gradually increase the amount of time spent enjoying Tummy Time.

And remember, every baby is different! Some babies love Tummy Time right away, while others need a little more time, encouragement, and creativity.

Fun Tummy Time Tips and Tricks

Tummy time does not need to take place solely on the floor, here are a few Tummy Time Tips and Tricks to mix up the tummy time routine and make things more fun for all!

1. Tummy to Tummy

Lie back on a soft, comfortable surface, either flat or slightly elevated with pillows for support. Place your baby tummy down on your chest or abdomen so you are face to face. Keep one hand securely on your baby at all times and provide close supervision throughout the activity to ensure safety.

2. Eye Level Smile

Get down level with baby to encourage eye contact. You can use Boppy pillow or roll up blanket under the child’s chest for additional support. Using your own body, toy or links, once the child’s gaze is locked, slowly move object side to side and up and down, your baby will begin tracking while maintaining tummy time position!

3. Lap Soothe

Place baby belly down across your lap to burp or soothe them. A hand on baby’s bottom can help steady and calm them.

4. Tummy Down Carry

Position one hand under the tummy and between the legs and carry baby tummy down. Nestle baby close to your body.

5. Tummy Minute

Guide baby onto their tummy after routine activities such as diapering or bathing for one to two minute intervals. Gradually increase duration, allowing child to get used to tummy time as part of their daily routine.

Other Tummy Time Play Positions