Tummy time is one of the best ways to support your infant’s early development—and it does more than most parents and caregivers realize.
Discover the ways this simple activity can help your child and get some tips to help you make your child’s tummy time successful.
Tummy Time Tutelage
Tummy time encourages your baby to move and explore their surroundings. By lifting their head, pushing up and looking around, babies develop coordination and start to understand how their body functions. These movements also support brain development and lay the groundwork for future learning.
Takes the Pressure Off
Tummy time takes pressure off the back of your baby’s head, which helps prevent flat areas from forming.
Build Strength
Tummy time helps babies build strength in the neck, shoulders, arms and core areas. These muscles are essential for major milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling and walking. Without this practice, those skills can take longer to develop.
Brain Development
Visual and sensory development is also increased. Seeing the world from a different position helps babies practice focusing, tracking objects and engaging with surroundings.
Bond with Your Baby
It’s a great way to bond with your baby. Talking, smiling and getting down on their level helps babies feel safe and supported while they build new skills.
Tummy Time Tips
Even if your baby doesn’t love it at first tummy time can make a big difference—even if it’s done just a few minutes every day. Those small daily moments help your baby grow stronger, more confident and ready to reach their next milestones.
Begin Early
Tummy time can start as soon as your baby comes home—just a few minutes at a time while they’re awake and alert. The National Institute of Health recommends that by two months of age, babies should be getting 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time every day. A great time for this activity is right after changing the diaper or right after a nap.
Supervision is Key
Make sure your baby is awake and you are closely watching during tummy time. You can even put your child on your chest for some extra bonding time.
Short Sessions Add Up
A few minutes several times a day is more effective (and manageable) than one long session. Focus on doing two to three minutes at a time during each session. Know that if your baby cries during the first sessions, they will typically improve as time goes by.
Modify Positions
You can place the baby on a clean floor or play mat. Chest-to-chest or across your lap is a great way to spend tummy time, especially for newborns.
Add Fun
Use colorful toys, rattles or mirrors to capture your baby’s attention. Putting your face in front of them can also encourage them to lift their head to see you.
Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play
Babies should always sleep on their backs and tummy time should always occur when they are awake and supervised.
This exercise is one of the simplest, yet important, activities for a baby’s early growth and development and in building essential skills. And, it’s a great way for you and your baby to interact and bond!
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