If you're a new parent, you've probably heard the phrase "tummy time" countless times from midwives, child health nurses, and other parents. This simple practice—placing your baby on their stomach while awake and supervised—is one of the most important developmental activities you can do with your infant. Yet many parents find tummy time challenging, especially when their baby protests loudly against this position. Understanding why tummy time matters and learning strategies to make it more enjoyable can transform this daily practice from a dreaded chore into valuable bonding time.
Why Tummy Time Matters
Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign successfully reduced SIDS rates by encouraging babies to sleep on their backs, infants spend significantly less time on their stomachs. While back sleeping is absolutely the right choice for safe sleep, it means babies need intentional tummy time during waking hours to develop crucial muscles and motor skills.
Regular tummy time strengthens neck, shoulder, arm, and back muscles—the foundation for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. It also helps prevent flat spots (plagiocephaly) on your baby's head.
Physical Development Benefits
- Neck strength: Lifting the head against gravity builds the muscles needed for head control
- Upper body strength: Pushing up on arms develops shoulders, chest, and core stability
- Motor milestone preparation: These muscles are essential for rolling, crawling, and sitting
- Head shape: Time off the back of the head helps prevent and treat flat spots
- Sensory development: Different pressure and perspectives stimulate sensory processing
Cognitive and Visual Benefits
Tummy time isn't just about physical strength. The different perspective allows babies to see the world from a new angle, promoting visual development and spatial awareness. Working to lift the head, reach for toys, and track movement also builds neural pathways that support later cognitive development.
When and How to Start
You can begin tummy time from day one, though the approach changes as your baby grows. In the earliest days, tummy time can simply mean placing your newborn on your chest while you're reclined—they'll naturally try to lift their head to see your face.
- Newborn: 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times daily, on your chest or a firm surface
- 1-2 months: 3-5 minutes, 3-4 times daily
- 3-4 months: 10-15 minutes total daily, divided into sessions
- 5-6 months: 20-30 minutes or more throughout the day
The goal is to work toward 30-60 minutes of total tummy time daily by three months of age. This doesn't need to happen all at once—many short sessions throughout the day are just as beneficial as fewer longer sessions, especially when your baby is young.
Making Tummy Time Enjoyable
Many babies protest tummy time initially, which can be disheartening for parents. The position is hard work for little muscles, and babies often express their displeasure vocally. However, with patience and creativity, most babies come to tolerate and even enjoy tummy time.
Positions and Surfaces
Tummy to tummy: Lie on your back with baby on your chest. This is the gentlest introduction, as the slight incline makes head lifting easier and your face provides motivation.
Across your lap: Place baby face-down across your thighs while seated. You can gently rock your legs and pat their back—this position is also useful for settling a fussy baby.
On a blanket: A soft blanket on a firm floor provides a safe, comfortable surface. Avoid very soft surfaces where baby might sink in.
On a rolled towel: A small rolled towel under baby's chest (armpits level with the roll) provides extra support and makes head lifting easier.
Try tummy time when your baby is alert and happy, not hungry or tired. After a nappy change or shortly after waking from a nap often works well. Avoid immediately after feeding, as pressure on a full tummy can cause discomfort or spitting up.
Engagement Strategies
Get down to their level: Lie on your stomach facing your baby. Your face is the most interesting thing in their world, and your presence provides encouragement and connection.
Use a mirror: Babies are fascinated by faces, including their own. A baby-safe floor mirror positioned in front of them can provide entertainment and motivation to lift their head.
Introduce toys gradually: Black and white high-contrast toys are particularly engaging for young babies. As baby grows, try placing colourful toys just out of reach to encourage reaching and eventually crawling.
Talk and sing: Your voice encourages baby to look up and engage. Singing songs, reading stories, or simply narrating your day gives them something to listen to.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
Baby Cries Immediately
If your baby protests from the moment they're placed on their tummy, start with very short sessions—even 30 seconds counts—and gradually build tolerance. The chest-to-chest position is often better accepted initially. Remember that some fussing is normal; they're working hard and letting you know about it.
Baby Falls Asleep During Tummy Time
While it's fine for babies to nap on their tummy while you're watching them closely, they should always be moved to their back in a safe sleep space for proper sleep. If your baby consistently falls asleep during tummy time, try doing it when they're more alert.
Concerns About Development
If your baby shows no improvement in head control after several weeks of regular tummy time, or if they seem to have significantly more difficulty than expected for their age, discuss your concerns with your child health nurse or GP. Early intervention for motor delays is often very effective.
Tummy Time Beyond the Floor
As your baby grows and gains strength, tummy time naturally evolves. By around three months, many babies can push up on their forearms during tummy time. By four to six months, some can extend their arms fully. These milestones prepare the way for rolling, which often happens first from tummy to back.
Once your baby is rolling freely, they'll likely choose their own positions and formal "tummy time" becomes less structured. However, continuing to provide safe floor time for exploration remains important throughout the first year and beyond.
Tummy time is only for supervised, awake time. Always place babies on their back to sleep, following Red Nose Australia's safe sleeping guidelines. Once babies can roll both ways independently, they can be left in the position they roll to during sleep.
Remember: Consistency Over Duration
The most important thing about tummy time is doing it regularly. Five short sessions throughout the day will build strength more effectively than one long session attempted once a week. Even on challenging days when baby is particularly resistant, a minute or two still contributes to their development.
Be patient with both yourself and your baby. Some infants take to tummy time easily, while others need more time and encouragement. Either way, your consistent effort is laying the foundation for all the physical milestones to come—rolling, sitting, crawling, and those exciting first steps.
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