Tummy Time Tips and Tricks

Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s early development, and it doesn’t have to mean spending a long time on the floor!

Tummy time gives babies opportunities to build the strength and coordination they need for early motor skills while exploring the world from a whole new perspective. In this post, we’ll share why tummy time is important and some simple tips and tricks to make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Why Does My Baby Need Tummy Time? 

Tummy time helps babies develop important strength through their neck, shoulders, back, and trunk. These muscles provide a foundation for early motor skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually standing and walking.

Tummy time also gives babies the opportunity to explore their environment from a new perspective. While lying on their back, their view is mostly limited to the ceiling and the people or objects around them. When lying on their tummy, babies begin to lift their head to look around, 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 onto their forearms and eventually onto their hands. Weight bearing through the arms helps develop shoulder stability and strength through the hands and wrists, building an important foundation for future movement and fine motor skills.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep and providing tummy time while they are awake and supervised.

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 because they don’t yet have the skills to independently move out of the position.

The good news? Tummy time gets easier with practice.

If tummy time is consistently frustrating, try changing the position rather than simply trying to increase the amount of time. A little support, a different surface, or being face-to-face with you can make a big difference.

How Can I Make Tummy Time Easier?

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

You can gently help your baby roll from back to belly and belly to back, giving them opportunities to experience how they can move in and out of tummy time.

Talk to your baby as you guide them through these movements. Your voice can be 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 movement routine. As your baby becomes more comfortable, you may notice them lifting their head higher, pushing through their arms, reaching for toys, shifting their weight, and eventually beginning to move toward toys.

These small changes are all progress!

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 they spend playing on their tummy.

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 Positions

Tummy time does not need to take place solely on the floor. Try these different positions throughout the day to mix up your baby’s routine and make tummy time more comfortable and fun.

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 Play

Get down at your baby’s level to encourage eye contact. You can use a Boppy pillow or a rolled up blanket under the child’s chest for additional support. Using your face, a toy or colorful links, once your baby’s gaze is locked onto the object, slowly move it side to side and up and down. Your baby can practice visual tracking while maintaining the tummy time position!

3. Lap Tummy Time

Place your baby belly down across your lap while soothing, talking, or interacting with them. A gentle hand on your baby’s bottom can provide additional support and help them feel secure while they practice lifting and turning their head.

4. Tummy Down Carry

Hold your baby tummy down across your forearm, with one hand supporting their tummy and chest. Keep your baby close to your body while allowing them to look around and explore their surroundings. Your voice and face can provide motivation for your baby to lift and turn their head.

5. Tummy Time Throughout the Day

Tummy time doesn’t have to happen in one dedicated session. Try adding short periods throughout your baby’s daily routine, after a diaper change, after waking from a nap, or during play.

Follow Your Baby’s Lead

Tummy time isn’t about how long your baby can stay in one position. The goal is to give your baby opportunities to gradually build strength, develop confidence, and explore movement.

As your baby becomes stronger, look for changes such as: