What is tummy time and why is it important?
Tummy time is, simply put, when your baby spends time awake lying on their tummy. Initially, with newborns, this can be done by positioning them on your own body for extra support and comfort. This supervised time on their stomach can be fun, but it is also important for their development too.
Tummy Time can help build up the muscles a baby needs for sitting up and crawling. In addition, babies can develop a flattened head – often from spending too much time lying on their backs . Tummy time can actually help to prevent “flathead syndrome”; this common condition can affect one in five babies at some point.
Tummy time is also important to:
Develop your baby’s neck, shoulder, and arm muscles.
Improve your little one’s ability to move and control their muscles.
Build their strength for rolling over and – eventually – walking.
Provide them with a new perspective of the world and a different way to explore their environment.
Promote sensory development and allow them to feel different textures on their skin.
Bondwith your baby.
Allow baby to start developing head control
When and how to start tummy time?
You can start tummy time with your newborn very early on – in fact, most babies can start a day or two after they’re born. Some parents even choose to start the day they bring their little one home from the hospital. (However, rather than the floor, lay them on your chest.) It’s generally considered best to start little and often. Newborns may only be comfortable with one to two minutes of tummy time at first, but as they grow, you’ll be able to increase this.
Having tummy time each day is often easier if you build it into a routine. Try fitting it in after bathing your little one, or following a nappy change. It is, however, usually best to avoid tummy time straight after a feed to prevent any disruption to your baby’s digestion.
Tummy time is simple, fun, and can easily be slotted into the day. Follow these tips and you’ll be helping your baby to build up their upper body strength in no time!
Start tummy time as soon as possible after birth, or as soon as you feel comfortable.
Make sure your baby is alert and doesn’t need feeding or changing, so they’re in the best mood to enjoy it.
When your baby is a newborn, lie them on their front on your tummy (a great opportunity for skin-to-skin time), chest or across your lap. Make sure you are wide awake and unlikely to nod off!
You can look into their eyes, smile, and use a sing-song voice to engage them.
As your baby grows bigger, you can start doing tummy time on the floor, on a comfortable mat. If they need a little extra support at first, roll up a towel to put under their arms.
Lie beside them and keep them entertained by talking, singing, reading a book, or showing them their reflection in a mirror. You can also put safe toys around for them to look at and reach for.
Sometimes babies get restless during tummy time – try not to force it and just progress at their pace. If you do have any concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
How to boost tummy time
If your little one isn’t too keen on tummy time, try these things to make it more exciting:
Sing their favourite songs
Keep toys nearby – especially colourful ones – and turn it into playtime
Get down on the floor with them and keep eye contact with them
Have other people join in too
Increase their stamina slowly – try very short periods at first
If your baby doesn’t like tummy time at first, you can start by holding them upright.
You can also try lying on your back, tummy to tummy with your baby. Your body contact may be comforting for your baby and skin-to-skin can be a great bonding experience.
While tummy time can help your baby’s development, it is extremely important that this is always supervised, and remember that they should always sleep on their back. If they fall asleep during tummy time, gently roll them onto their back.
If you enjoyed our Tummy Time guide, check out our Parenting Community Hub for more advice when it comes to baby milestones:
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Tummy time FAQs
How much tummy time does your baby need?
By about two months of age, your baby may be having 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time daily. It is recommended that you work up to about an hour of tummy time a day by the time your baby is three months old.
What if my baby hates tummy time?
Not all babies will enjoy being on their tummy at first, but don’t give up! If your baby doesn’t get on with tummy time, keep persevering. Try to turn it into a game, with bright toys, or sing fun songs to make them happier and more engaged.
What happens if you don’t do tummy time?
Babies may take a little longer to walk if they don’t have tummy time, though they should still hit that milestone within the normal timeframe. It’s important to remember that tummy time can help to strengthen a little one’s muscles and help prevent flat head syndrome. Tummy time is also a wonderful opportunity to grow your parent and baby bond.
How much tummy time is needed at six months?
Older babies still need supervised tummy time. By the time your little one is aged three months or older, it is recommended that they have up to about one hour of tummy time a day.
Is it OK to let my baby cry during tummy time?
Many newborn babies do get upset or grumpy when on their tummies initially, so don’t worry if they start crying. Keep tummy time sessions brief at first, comfort and encourage them when needed, and if they get tired, pop them on their back for a lovely sleep8.
