Tummy Time: Why It Matters and How to Make It Happen

Your newborn has been placed on their back to sleep—as they should be—but all that time on their back means those developing muscles need some balance. Enter tummy time: those supervised moments when your baby lies on their stomach while awake. It might seem simple (put baby down, done!), but many parents discover their baby has strong opinions about this position.

This guide explains why tummy time matters, when to start, how much your baby needs, and what to do when they absolutely hate it.

Why Tummy Time Is Essential

Tummy time isn't just something pediatricians recommend to fill your day—it's genuinely important for your baby's physical development. AAP

Motor development:

• Strengthens neck, shoulder, arm, and back muscles
• Builds the foundation for rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking
• Develops core stability
• Allows baby to practice lifting and turning their head

Preventing flat spots:

• Babies who spend all their time on their backs can develop positional plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head)
• Tummy time gives the back of the head a break
• Varying head position during supervised play helps maintain round head shape

Sensory development:

• Provides a different visual perspective
• Allows baby to experience different textures against their body
• Encourages them to look around and explore their environment

Prevention of torticollis:

• Tight neck muscles can develop from always looking one direction
• Tummy time encourages full range of neck movement

When to Start

The answer might surprise you: start from day one. AAP

Newborn tummy time:

• Begin with tummy-to-tummy: baby lying on your chest while you recline
• This counts! Baby is working those muscles
• Skin-to-skin in this position is doubly beneficial
• Start with just a few minutes at a time

The first weeks:

• Short sessions (1-2 minutes) multiple times a day
• Always supervised and while baby is awake
• After every diaper change is an easy reminder
• Watch baby's cues—stop if they're distressed

Important safety note:
Tummy time is only for when baby is awake and supervised. Back to sleep, tummy to play. AAP

How Much Tummy Time?

The goal:
By 2-3 months, work up to a total of about an hour of tummy time spread throughout the day. AAP

Building up:

• Newborns: 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times daily
• 1 month: 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times daily
• 2-3 months: 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily, or more frequent shorter sessions
• 4+ months: Whatever baby tolerates—they may love it by now

Key points:

• These are totals for the day, not single sessions
• Shorter frequent sessions work better than one long session
• Quality matters—engaged tummy time beats crying on the floor
• Even 3 minutes here and there adds up

What About Babies Who Hate It?

Here's the reality: many babies don't love tummy time at first. It's hard work! Those muscles are weak, and holding their head up is exhausting. AAP

Why babies protest:

• It's physically difficult for them
• They can't see as much as when on their back
• They may have gas or reflux that makes it uncomfortable
• It's unfamiliar

This doesn't mean skip it:
Muscles get stronger through use. A baby who never does tummy time will have weaker muscles and may hit motor milestones later.

The silver lining:
Most babies learn to tolerate—and eventually enjoy—tummy time. It's a process.

Strategies for Reluctant Babies

Timing matters:

• Try when baby is well-rested and fed (but not immediately after eating)
• Avoid when they're already fussy
• Some babies do better in the morning
• Stop before they get upset

Body positions that help:

*Tummy-to-tummy (newborn favorite):*

• Recline and place baby on your chest
• Make eye contact and talk to them
• Gradually recline more as they get stronger

*Across your lap:*

• Lay baby across your thighs on their tummy
• Gently pat or rub their back
• Helpful for gassy babies too

*Football hold:*

• Hold baby face-down along your forearm
• Support their head in your hand
• Walk around—movement is soothing

*Nursing pillow support:*

• Use a Boppy or similar pillow
• Baby's chest rests on pillow, arms over front
• Gives them a slightly elevated view

Make it interesting:

• Get down on their level—your face is the best entertainment
• Use high-contrast images or mirrors
• Place toys just out of reach as they get older
• Sing, talk, make faces
• Use textured blankets or play mats

Distraction techniques:

• Try during diaper changes on the changing table (brief and supervised)
• Tummy time in front of a mirror
• Let an older sibling "do tummy time" alongside
• Read a book at their eye level

The Progression of Tummy Time Skills

As your baby gets stronger, you'll notice changes: AAP

Newborn (0-1 month):

• Can turn head side to side
• May briefly lift head
• Arms tucked under body
• Needs full support

1-2 months:

• Lifts head to 45 degrees
• Head more stable
• May push up slightly on forearms
• Can track objects by turning head

3-4 months:

• Lifts head to 90 degrees
• Supports upper body on arms
• Better head control
• May start reaching for toys
• Can push up on extended arms briefly

5-6 months:

• Strong push-up on arms
• May pivot in a circle
• Rocking back and forth (pre-crawling)
• Reaching and playing while on tummy
• Rolling over (tummy to back often comes first)

When to Be Concerned

Tummy time progress varies, but talk to your pediatrician if: AAP

By 2 months:

• Baby can't lift head at all during tummy time
• No improvement in head control

By 4 months:

• Can't support head steadily
• Doesn't push up on forearms
• Shows no interest in reaching for objects
• Seems unusually stiff or floppy

At any age:

• Baby has a significant flat spot on their head
• Prefers to look only one direction (may indicate torticollis)
• You're concerned about overall development

Early intervention can help if there are delays, so don't hesitate to ask.

Tummy Time and Reflux

Babies with reflux often dislike tummy time even more. The pressure on their stomach can be uncomfortable. AAP

Tips for reflux babies:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding
• Try inclined positions (tummy on your chest while reclined)
• Use the lap position which keeps them more elevated
• Shorter, more frequent sessions
• Talk to your pediatrician about timing

The good news:
Reflux typically improves by 4-6 months, and tummy time usually gets easier then too.

Common Questions About Tummy Time

Does baby-wearing count as tummy time?
Not quite—tummy time specifically refers to the prone position where baby is working against gravity. Baby-wearing is great for bonding and development but different muscles are being used.

What about tummy time on soft surfaces?
Always use a firm surface. Soft bedding like adult beds or couches can be suffocation hazards and don't provide the resistance needed for muscle development.

Can I do tummy time on me if I'm on my back?
Yes! Tummy-to-tummy absolutely counts, especially for newborns.

My baby fell asleep during tummy time—now what?
Gently roll them onto their back. Back to sleep is always the rule.

My baby already rolls over—do they still need tummy time?
Once baby is mobile and spending time on their tummy by choice while playing, structured tummy time becomes less critical. But if they always roll immediately to their back, continue encouraging tummy play.

The Bottom Line

Tummy time is important for building the muscles your baby needs to reach motor milestones—rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Start from day one with small sessions, build gradually, and don't give up if your baby protests.

Remember:

• Start early with tummy-to-tummy on your chest
• Build up gradually to an hour total per day by 3 months
• Make it engaging by getting on their level
• Try different positions if floor time isn't working
• Be patient—it gets easier as they get stronger

Even a baby who screams at tummy time at 6 weeks often becomes a baby who happily plays on their tummy at 4 months. Keep at it, and Clara is here if you have questions or need more strategies.