Tummy Time: How Much, When to Start, and Tips

If there is one piece of advice that almost every pediatrician gives new parents, it is this: make tummy time a part of your daily routine. But when your newborn is crying face-down on a play mat, it can be hard to feel like you are doing the right thing.

The good news is that tummy time does not have to be stressful for you or your baby. Here is what you need to know about why it matters, how to get started, and ways to make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Why Is Tummy Time Important?

Tummy time helps your baby develop the muscles they need for major milestones like holding up their head, rolling over, sitting, and eventually crawling and walking. Specifically, tummy time helps strengthen:

• Neck muscles for head control
• Shoulder and arm muscles for pushing up and reaching
• Core muscles for sitting and balance
• Back muscles for overall stability

Tummy time also helps prevent flat spots on the back of your baby's head (positional plagiocephaly), which can happen when babies spend a lot of time on their backs. Since the safe sleep recommendation is for babies to sleep on their backs, tummy time during waking hours provides important balance.

When to Start Tummy Time

You can start tummy time from your baby's very first day home from the hospital. In fact, placing your newborn skin-to-skin on your chest while you recline counts as tummy time. It is a gentle and comforting way to begin.

For newborns, start with very short sessions of just 1 to 2 minutes at a time, a few times a day. As your baby gets used to it and grows stronger, you can gradually increase the length of each session.

If your baby was born prematurely or has any special health considerations, talk to your pediatrician about the best time and approach to start tummy time.

How Much Tummy Time Does Your Baby Need?

Here is a general guide for tummy time by age. Remember, these are totals spread throughout the day, not all at once:

• Newborn to 1 month: 2 to 5 minutes per session, 2 to 3 times per day (working up to about 15 to 30 minutes total)
• 1 to 2 months: 5 to 10 minutes per session, a few times a day
• 2 to 3 months: 10 to 15 minutes per session, working toward about 60 minutes total per day
• 3 to 4 months: 15 to 20 minutes per session, totaling about 60 to 90 minutes per day
• 4 months and beyond: As much tummy time as your baby enjoys. Many babies start to prefer being on their tummy and will naturally spend more time in this position.

Do not stress about hitting exact numbers. Any amount of tummy time is better than none, and consistency matters more than duration.

Tips to Make Tummy Time Easier

Here are some ways to make tummy time more fun and less frustrating:

• Get on the floor with your baby. Babies love looking at faces. Lying face-to-face with your baby makes tummy time more engaging and reassuring.
• Use a mirror. Place a baby-safe mirror in front of your little one. Most babies are fascinated by their own reflection.
• Try different surfaces. Your chest, your lap, a play mat, or a blanket on the floor all work for tummy time. Variety can help keep things interesting.
• Use a rolled towel or nursing pillow. Place a small rolled towel or nursing pillow under your baby's chest and arms for extra support, especially in the early weeks.
• Time it well. Try tummy time when your baby is alert and happy, like after a diaper change or nap. Avoid it right after a feeding when they might spit up.
• Sing and talk. Your voice is your baby's favorite sound. Narrate what you are doing, sing a song, or make silly sounds to keep them engaged.
• Place colorful toys nearby. High-contrast toys, rattles, and crinkly toys placed just within reach give your baby something to look at and reach for.

What If Your Baby Hates Tummy Time?

First, know that this is very common, especially in the early weeks. Many babies fuss or cry during tummy time because it is hard work for them. Here are some strategies:

• Keep it short. Even 1 to 2 minutes counts. Multiple short sessions are perfectly fine.
• Start on your chest. Lying on a parent's chest is usually more comfortable and comforting than the floor.
• Try it on your lap. Lay your baby across your lap for a gentler version of tummy time.
• Wait it out a little. Some fussing is okay. Give your baby a minute to adjust before picking them up. But if they are genuinely distressed, it is fine to take a break and try again later.
• Be consistent. The more you practice, the more comfortable your baby will become. Most babies who dislike tummy time at first learn to enjoy it within a few weeks.

Tummy Time Safety

A few important safety reminders:

• Always supervise tummy time. Never leave your baby unattended on their tummy.
• Place your baby on a firm, flat surface (a play mat on the floor is ideal).
• Tummy time is only for when your baby is awake and alert. Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Stop if your baby falls asleep during tummy time and gently move them onto their back.