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

Your baby should always sleep on their back—but when they're awake and supervised, time on their tummy is crucial for development. Tummy time strengthens the muscles babies need to roll, sit, crawl, and eventually walk. Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign dramatically reduced SIDS, tummy time has become even more important.

Many babies protest tummy time, especially at first. Understanding why it matters and having strategies to make it tolerable can help you persist through the complaints. AAP

Why Tummy Time Is Essential

Tummy time provides benefits you can't get any other way: AAP

Physical development:

• Strengthens neck muscles (head control)
• Develops shoulder, arm, and back muscles
• Builds core strength
• Prepares for rolling, sitting, crawling
• Helps develop motor skills

Preventing problems:

• Reduces risk of flat spots on head (positional plagiocephaly)
• Prevents tight neck muscles (torticollis)
• Promotes symmetrical development
• Ensures muscles develop properly

Other benefits:

• New perspective on the world
• Sensory stimulation
• Visual development (learns to look around)
• Eventual hand exploration

When to Start and How Much

When to start: Mayo
Begin tummy time in the first few days after birth. Start gentle and brief.

How much:

• Newborns: Start with 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times daily
• 1 month: 10-15 minutes total daily
• 2 months: 15-30 minutes total daily
• 3 months: 30-60 minutes total daily (broken into sessions)
• 4+ months: Up to 90 minutes daily

Important: These are total daily goals, broken into multiple short sessions. Never leave baby on tummy unattended or let them fall asleep on tummy.

Positions for Tummy Time

On your chest:

• Recline slightly and lay baby on your chest
• Great for newborns
• Your face provides motivation to lift head
• Warm and comforting

Tummy-to-tummy:

• Lie flat and place baby face-down on your stomach
• Can make eye contact
• Your breathing provides gentle motion

On your lap:

• Baby lies across your thighs
• You can pat their back
• Good transitional position

On a flat surface (floor):

• Use a firm, flat surface with blanket
• The "classic" tummy time position
• Place toys or mirror in front
• Get down on their level

Over a boppy or rolled towel:

• Roll up a small towel or use nursing pillow
• Place under baby's chest, arms forward
• Takes pressure off and makes lifting head easier
• Good for babies who struggle

Carrying positions:

• Football hold (baby along your forearm)
• Over your arm face-down
• These count as tummy time too

Making Tummy Time Easier

For babies who hate it: AAP

*Timing matters:*

• Try after diaper changes (already undressed)
• Wait 20-30 minutes after feeding
• When baby is alert and content (not hungry or tired)
• Short, frequent sessions work better than long ones

*Make it interesting:*

• Get down on the floor at eye level
• Use a mirror (babies love looking at faces)
• Place high-contrast toys in front
• Sing and talk to distract
• Use a crinkly toy or rattle

*Make it comfortable:*

• Warm up the surface first
• Remove scratchy clothes
• Use positions that provide support
• Place on soft but firm surface

*Build gradually:*

• Start with just 30 seconds
• Stop before baby gets upset
• Increase time as tolerance grows
• Multiple short sessions beat one long struggle

Tummy Time Milestones

What to expect at different ages: Mayo

Newborn to 1 month:

• Turns head side to side
• May lift head briefly
• Probably doesn't love it

1-2 months:

• Lifts head at 45-degree angle briefly
• Can turn head side to side more easily
• Getting stronger

2-3 months:

• Lifts head higher, longer
• Pushes up on forearms
• May start enjoying it more

3-4 months:

• Lifts head 90 degrees
• Strong push-ups on forearms
• May start reaching for toys
• Bears weight on forearms

4-6 months:

• Extended arms (push-ups)
• May start pivoting
• Rolling develops
• Much stronger

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Baby cries immediately:

• Start with chest-to-chest position
• Try the lap position
• Use rolled towel for support
• Keep sessions very short
• Stick with it—most babies adjust

Baby can't lift head:

• Normal for newborns
• Use supportive positions
• Just turning head side to side counts
• Strength builds gradually

Baby falls asleep:

• Always move to back for sleep
• Try tummy time when more alert
• Short sessions prevent sleepiness

Baby spits up:

• Wait longer after feeding
• Keep sessions shorter
• Some spit-up is normal

You're worried about development:

• Talk to pediatrician at next visit
• Every baby develops at their own pace
• By 4 months, most babies should show progress

What If Baby Has Reflux?

Babies with reflux may especially dislike tummy time: AAP

Modifications:

• Wait 30+ minutes after feeding
• Keep sessions very short
• Use inclined positions (on your chest while reclined)
• Try carrying positions that count as tummy time
• Talk to pediatrician about timing and positioning

Flat Head Prevention

One major reason for tummy time is preventing flat spots: Mayo

Why flat spots happen:

• Babies spend lots of time on their back
• Skull bones are soft
• Can develop flat areas from pressure

Prevention:

• Regular tummy time
• Alternate head position when baby is on back
• Hold baby upright when awake
• Limit time in car seats, bouncy seats
• Provide supervised time in different positions

If you notice a flat spot:

• Increase tummy time
• Talk to your pediatrician
• Early intervention helps

What Other Parents Ask

Q: My baby screams during tummy time. Should I force it?
A: Don't let them scream, but do persist gently. Shorter sessions, different positions, and interesting distractions can help. A little fussing is okay, but stop before full meltdown. Try again later. Consistency is key. AAP

Q: Does it count if baby is on my chest?
A: Yes! Chest-to-chest is an excellent form of tummy time, especially for newborns. Baby is still working muscles to lift their head.

Q: My baby keeps face-planting. Is that okay?
A: Some face contact with the surface is normal, especially for young babies. Ensure the surface is safe (no suffocation risk), supervise closely, and use supportive positions if needed. Strength builds over time. Mayo

Q: What if we've been skipping tummy time?
A: It's never too late to start or increase. Begin where you are and build gradually. If baby is significantly behind on motor milestones, mention it to your pediatrician.

The Bottom Line

Tummy time is essential for your baby's physical development, helping build strength for major motor milestones. Start from birth, build gradually, use varied positions, and persist through protests. Most babies who dislike tummy time eventually come to tolerate or even enjoy it.

Key points:

• Start tummy time in the first days of life
• Build up to 30-90 minutes daily (in short sessions)
• Multiple positions count (chest, lap, floor)
• Brief, frequent sessions work best
• Helps prevent flat head spots
• Babies often protest at first but improve
• Always supervise and never let baby sleep on tummy

Clara is here to help you make tummy time work for your baby.