The Why and How of Tummy Time
You’ve heard from countless people that tummy time is important. But you might be wondering why it’s important and how to do this activity with your baby. This essential practice helps build strength, coordination, and motor skills, setting the foundation for future milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. Let’s dive into why tummy time is so important and how to make it an enjoyable experience for your baby.
The Benefits of Tummy Time
1. Strengthens Muscles for Movement
From day one, babies need opportunities to strengthen their neck, shoulders, arms, and core muscles. These muscles play a key role in learning to roll, sit, and eventually crawl and walk. Tummy time encourages your baby to lift their head, push up with their arms, and shift their weight—key movements for gross motor development.
2. Helps Prevent Flat Head Syndrome
Many babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs, especially with the recommended safe sleep guidelines. However, prolonged pressure on the back of the head can lead to plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). Tummy time helps alleviate this pressure by encouraging babies to spend time in a different position.
3. Enhances Coordination & Motor Skills
Lifting the head, pushing up with the arms, and reaching for toys during tummy time all help improve your baby’s balance, coordination, and body awareness. These early skills are essential for future activities like crawling and fine motor development.
4. Supports Sensory and Visual Development
Being on their tummy allows babies to experience movement differently, helping them develop body awareness and sensory processing skills. It also encourages eye tracking as they look around and engage with their surroundings.
5. Encourages Rolling & Crawling
Before babies can roll over and crawl, they need to strengthen their upper body and learn to shift their weight. Tummy time provides these early opportunities, helping babies gain confidence and control over their movements.
6. May Support Digestion & Relieves Gas
Some parents notice that tummy time can help with digestion by applying gentle pressure on the belly, which may relieve gas and discomfort.
How Much Tummy Time Does Your Baby Need?
Newborns (0-2 months): Start with a few minutes, several times a day.
By 3 months: Aim for at least 30-60 minutes total per day, broken into short, manageable sessions.
By 6 months: Many babies enjoy longer periods of tummy time as they prepare for crawling.
Making Tummy Time Enjoyable
Some babies resist tummy time at first, but there are plenty of ways to make it more comfortable and engaging:
✔ Do tummy time when your baby is well-rested and alert—after naps or diaper changes are great times to try.
✔ Lay back and place your baby on your chest so they can lift their head and see your face.
✔ Use a rolled-up towel or small pillow under their chest to provide extra support.
✔ Get on their level—talk, sing, or use toys to keep them entertained.
When contact us for support
Baby continues to cry through tummy
Baby isn’t lifting head off surface by 1 month
Baby isn’t bearing weight through their forearms by 2 months
You want more strategies to make tummy time enjoyable
The Takeaway
Tummy time is a simple yet powerful way to support your baby’s development. With regular practice, this activity strengthens muscles, can help prevent flat spots on the head, and sets the foundation for mastering milestones! Start with short sessions and build up over time—every minute counts!
If you have questions about your baby’s development or need personalized guidance, we are here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and support tailored to your baby’s needs.
When to Contact Us
You have questions about which bottle to use
Baby is having difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Baby makes gulping sounds when breast or bottle feeding
Baby is leaking milk from their mouth
Baby makes clicking sounds when feeding
Feedings are consistently taking longer than 30 minutes
Baby is refusing the breast or bottle