Your baby’s back from the hospital, and you’re ready to help them develop the skills they need as they start to grow. You’ve established “times” for everything: nap time, bed time, bath time, and meal time. The next one you’ll want to add to your little one’s repertoire is tummy time.
Your baby’s back from the hospital, and you’re ready to help them develop the skills they need as they start to grow. You’ve established “times” for everything: nap time, bed time, bath time, and meal time. The next one you’ll want to add to your little one’s repertoire is tummy time.
In this article, we’ll tell you what tummy time is, when to start it, and its benefits. We’ll also share some tips on how to make the most of this special time together as your baby tests their muscles and all of their new skills.
Table of contents
- What is tummy time?
- Benefits of tummy time
- When to start tummy time
- Tips for successful tummy time
- What if my baby doesn’t like tummy time?
- Tummy time at different ages
What is tummy time?
Although you probably know that babies are supposed to be put down to sleep on their back, they can (and should) be placed on their stomachs sometimes — while they’re awake and supervised.
This is tummy time: when you place your little one on their belly so that they can start testing their neck, back, and arm muscles. When done daily, tummy time helps your baby gain the strength needed for lifting their head and, in time, sitting, crawling, and walking.
Benefits of tummy time
There are lots of reasons for baby to spend time on the flip side. Let’s take a look.
Gaining strength
As we said, tummy time helps exercise and strengthen baby’s neck, shoulders, and arms. With daily practice, they’ll start pushing up, then sitting up, standing, and eventually walking.
Plus, it’ll help them build a strong core, which is essential for good posture and balance as they grow.
Developing motor skills
As your baby uses and controls their muscles to accomplish various movements, they develop the motor skills of their larger muscle groups.
And if you set out some toys nearby, your little one will have the chance to build their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they reach, grab, and play.
Preventing flat head
Too much time in one position can result in flat head syndrome. Since your little one has been spending a lot of time on their back, tummy time provides a chance to switch things up and prevent flat spots.
Helping relieve torticollis
If your little one has torticollis, or tight muscles in their neck that make it hard for them to turn their head, tummy time is a good opportunity to do special exercises to help relieve the condition.
Developing baby’s senses
Imagine all of the sensory activity that occurs with tummy time: your baby is smelling new smells, feeling new textures, and seeing the world differently from this angle.
All of these experiences help stimulate their developing brain and senses. And the more they practice, the more confident and curious they’ll become about the world around them.
Bonding with baby
During tummy time, you can position baby on your own tummy or lie down next to them. Then talk, sing, or hum playfully while encouraging lots of eye contact. All that time face to face is great for bonding and socialization!
When to start tummy time
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, as soon as you’re back from the hospital, it’s safe to start tummy time.
Just a couple minutes two to three times a day will be sufficient to start, and then increase as they gain strength.
Of course, your little one will still have their umbilical cord stump attached at this point. You’ll want to pay attention to its position when you set your little one down for tummy time, but it’s OK if it touches the surface as long as the area is clean and dry.
When to stop tummy time
Once your baby can crawl, scheduled tummy time is no longer necessary. This typically happens between 7 and 9 months of age. By then, their independent movement will help them continue to build strength and coordination.
However, encouraging your little one to play on their stomach occasionally is still a good idea. This will help them develop more complex movements and fine motor skills.
Tips for successful tummy time
We’ve put together a few tummy time tips to keep your little one safe and engaged.
Make sure baby is awake and alert.
Just like we don’t exercise when we’re sleepy, your baby should be alert and ready for their daily workout.
Ensure baby is fed and changed.
All of your baby’s needs should be met before they start their tummy time. They won’t give it their all if they’re distracted by hunger or a wet diaper.
Place baby on a low, safe surface.
You never put your baby on an elevated surface or somewhere cushy while they’re on their stomach, as it would be unsafe. Instead, choose a firm, low surface (or your own lap or tummy) for their daily exercises.
If you place them on your lap, be sure to provide head support and keep their head aligned with their body. Lifting your legs up and down and side to side will give baby some extra fun.
You can also place your little one on a rug or a playmat or spread a blanket on the floor for tummy time. You’ll want to secure the blanket so it doesn’t slide around when your baby moves. You can also use a rolled-up towel to prop them up a bit.
If you place your little one straight on the floor (which is OK, too), don’t forget to sweep it clean first.
Choose surfaces with different textures.
To keep things interesting, you might try various surfaces throughout the day in order to introduce your baby to new textures. Tummy time can be a sensory exploration, and a playmat will feel different than the floor or a low pile rug.
It’s both a workout and a learning experience!
Dress baby in a onesie or diaper.
It’s nice for your baby to have exposed skin when it’s tummy time, as this will give them a greater sensory experience.
Start with short sessions.
As we said, when it comes to tummy time, you want to start slow — just a few minutes two or three times a day is good to begin. Pretty soon, they can work up to three to five minutes for each session. As your little one gets more strength, they can be on their belly for even longer.
The most important thing is that you are right there with them, keeping a keen eye to ensure they’re safe and their airways are not blocked. At this early stage, they don’t have the head or neck control needed to reposition themselves when needed.
By the time they’re two months, they should enjoy 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time each day, and when they’re three months, the total time on their belly should be an hour.
Try putting baby on their side.
If your little one isn’t taking to tummy time at the beginning, you can start by laying them on their side. If you need to, prop their back against a rolled-up towel or nursing or pregnancy pillow, and place a folded washcloth under their head.
Make sure their arms and legs are in front of them so they’re comfortable. Vary their position every 10 to 15 minutes.
Lie down with your baby.
Of course, tummy time is even better when you’re down at eye level with your little one. They’ll love to show mommy or daddy all of their new skills.
You can also do interactive activities during tummy time, such as playing airplane. Lie down on your back and hold your baby (tummy down) against your lower legs. Carefully lift your legs up and down to make it feel like your little one is flying.
Inspire your baby with toys.
Get your little one’s attention by shaking soft, safe toys. This will help them practice reaching, further exercising their muscles and stimulating their senses.
You can also do this with safe household objects, like plastic measuring cups or wooden spoons. The goal is to provide a variety of textures and shapes for them to explore and play with while they’re on their tummy.
Use a mirror.
Your baby will enjoy their tummy time even more if they can watch their own progression. Who’s that in the mirror? You, silly!
You can move the mirror from side to side, and watch your baby follow.
Never walk away from your baby.
The most important safety rule when it comes to tummy time is to never walk away. You want to choose times of the day when you can be fully engaged, with no distractions.
Because your little one may not have the strength to get themselves out of a bad position, they’re relying on you to be there to help if needed.
Make tummy time part of your daily schedule.
Just like you’ve made a feeding and sleeping schedule, you’ll want to make a schedule for tummy time.
For example, after your baby enjoys a meal and diaper change, pencil in their strengthening exercise session — once in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
If you’re traveling, tummy time doesn’t have to stop. Consider continuing this routine using the Newton Baby Travel Crib & Play Yard. It has a breathable mattress and sets up quickly — making it a safe and convenient place to let your baby get some exercise.
Always put baby to sleep on their back.
Just because your baby has been doing all of this good work getting stronger while on their belly doesn’t mean it’s safe for them to be in this position when they sleep.
Until 12 months, your little one should always be put to bed on their back, in their bassinet, crib, or travel crib that’s free of toys, blankets, or anything else that can pose a hazard.
When it comes to sleep, Newton Baby crib mattresses are perfect for getting safe shut-eye. Our Original Mattress is 100% breathable and washable and features a soft, quilted removable cover.
It’s also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it adheres to the most stringent guidelines with regard to VOC emissions and indoor air quality.
Share the fun.
Everyone will enjoy spending this special time together watching baby get stronger both mentally and physically. Share the time with your partner so that you both can brag about your sweet bundle of joy.
What if my baby doesn’t like tummy time?
Some babies like being on their tummy. They smile and coo and play, all while getting an awesome workout. But other babies find it pretty frustrating. It’s a new position for them that can feel uncomfortable at first.
If your little one isn’t into tummy time, that’s OK. The above tips about starting slowly, offering toys, or putting your baby on their side might help.
Here are a few other suggestions to help them get used to this position:
- Try having your baby do tummy time directly on your chest. The close contact can help your baby feel safe and secure, even if they don’t love their current position. They’ll be able to hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth, which can be comforting.
- Hold your little one tummy side down over one arm, with their head near your elbow and their legs straddling your wrist. As a bonus, this “football hold” is an excellent position for burping!
- If your baby has reflux, they likely feel pressure when lying flat on their stomach. To help, try putting a rolled-up towel or blanket under them to elevate their upper body slightly. This can relieve the pressure and make them feel more comfortable.
- Give them a break when they fuss. Once your baby starts to cry, they tighten up their muscles and lose the benefit of tummy time. Help them out of their position and comfort them. You can always try again later in the day!
If your baby still doesn’t tolerate tummy time after trying all these things, it’s best to consult their pediatrician. They can rule out any underlying medical issues and provide personalized recommendations for your little one.
Tummy time at different ages
Tummy time won’t always look the same. As your baby grows and develops, their tummy time routine will change too. Here’s a general guideline for what to expect throughout their first several months of life.
Newborn
When you first start tummy time, it may look like nothing is happening. Your baby won’t have the strength or coordination to lift their head and push up on their arms.
But, even though you can’t see it, their muscles are getting stronger.
- Aim for 4 to 5 super short sessions of tummy time each day — the goal is to get your baby used to this position. Every minute counts!
- You are your baby’s safe place. Stay close to them whenever they’re on their tummy to help them feel secure.
1 Month Old
Your baby is gaining some head control and will likely turn it from side to side during tummy time. It won’t be long before they push up in that precious turtle pose, though they’ll only be able to hold it for a second or two at first.
- Try getting 10 minutes of total tummy time throughout the day.
- Let them do tummy time in various locations to help them savor the experience and prevent boredom. Your arms, the floor, and your chest all provide different sensations.
2 Months Old
When you set your baby down for tummy time at this age, it may look like they’re trying to swim. They’re learning to control their limbs and are starting to kick their legs and move their arms purposefully.
- See if your baby can tolerate 10-15 minutes of tummy time during each session.
- Place colorful toys or objects just out of reach to encourage your baby to lift their head and look at them.
3 Months Old
Your baby’s getting noticeably stronger! They’ll be able to hold their head up a little longer and look around while on their tummy.
Now is the perfect time to introduce a small pillow or rolled-up blanket under their chest during one of their tummy time sessions each day. The slight incline will prop them up and give them a better view of their surroundings.
- Encourage longer stretches of tummy time with a few different activities. Start with a toy or two, then get down on the ground next to them and make silly faces. Try to get to an hour of tummy time each day, broken into several sessions.
- Position your baby so their elbows are under their shoulders. They may start trying to push up a bit, but it’ll be a little longer before they can consistently do so.
4 Months Old
The day is coming when your little one will get themselves out of tummy time by rolling over. And while that’s an exciting milestone, it also means that your little one will no longer always be in the same position as when you set them down.
Because of this approaching mobility, it’s critical to ensure the area where your baby is doing tummy time is safe and secure.
- Hold toys in front of your baby and slowly move them from side to side to help them practice tracking. This will help their visual development.
- Increase their daily tummy time to at least 90 minutes.
5 Months Old
If you watch closely, you might see your little one squirm forward to try and get a toy that’s just out of reach. This is an early attempt at crawling and an exercise to help them build the muscles they need to become more mobile.
- Encourage movement through toy placement. Put a few toys in front of your baby, slightly out of reach. Then, get down on the ground and cheer them on.
- Your little one will push their feet onto the floor, so let them experience different textures. Try a soft blanket one day and hardwood floors the next. If you put your hands next to their heels, they may try to “push off” you to scoot forward.
6 Months Old
Watch out, world, your baby wants to move! They may spin around in circles on their belly or roll back and forth between their tummy and back.
At this age, tummy time is becoming more self-directed, and your baby will start to find their own ways to move and explore.
- Provide a variety of safe objects for your baby to reach, grab, and chew on during tummy time. Bring out the blocks, board books, and rattles for your baby to interact with.
- Help your baby get into a hands and knees position, and support them as they practice rocking back and forth.
7+ Months Old
While every baby develops at their own pace, some exciting milestones often occur around the 7-month mark. Your baby may try to get themselves into a sitting position, pull up on furniture, or take off crawling around the room.
- Don’t be surprised if your baby doesn’t want to stay on their tummy for long. After all, they’ve got a whole world to explore!
- Make a baby obstacle course for them to check out during tummy time. Place couch cushions on the ground, set out various toys, and get out a baby mirror. This will make playtime super fun for your little one.
Stronger every day!
As you can see, tummy time is a very important part of your little one’s development and a great opportunity for bonding. By following our tips, you can ensure your little one’s daily workout is both safe and effective.
Of course, with all of that exercise, your little one will need extra-restful naps between sessions. Newton Baby’s Essential Crib Mattress is firm, breathable, and even washable for a safe and comfy slumber.
And when baby wakes up, they’ll be rested and ready to lie on their belly once again and show you everything they can do thanks to you.
