Ready for Tummy Time?

Tummy time involves placing your baby on his or her stomach to play. Practicing tummy time helps babies develop the muscles necessary to lift their heads and, eventually, to sit up, crawl and walk. Your baby should always be awake during tummy time and under your careful watch. Tummy time is the precursor to a host of early childhood developmental milestones.

Adequate and regular tummy time:

• Builds neck strength to hold head upright and turn it from side to side
• Helps prevent flat spots from forming on the back of baby’s head
• Strengthens core muscles of the neck, shoulder, arm and back muscles
• Allows baby to view the world from different angles supporting healthy brain development
• Sets the stage for gross motor skills like rolling over, crawling, pulling himself up and sitting up.

When should I start tummy time?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you begin tummy time for your baby as soon you bring your baby home from the hospital.

How to do tummy time?

The ideal time to do tummy time is after your baby wakes up from a nap, after a diaper change or after bath time.

You might start by laying your baby belly-down on your chest or across your lap.

As your baby grows, set up a playmat in your living room or in baby’s nursery. Place your baby on his belly down on the playmat. If he squirms or cries, roll up a swaddle or small blanket, and tuck it under his chest and armpits to give baby more support, so baby can lift head up more easily when propped up on his elbows.

How long should my baby do tummy time each day?

In the first few weeks, try practicing tummy time for about 3-5 minutes, 2-3 sessions each day. Gradually increase tummy time as baby gets stronger and more comfortable. Starting tummy time early can help avoid having baby fuss about tummy time. Over time, you can gradually build up to 5-8 minutes, several times a day. Try to make tummy time a part of your baby’s natural routine. 

Encourage your baby to work his way up to 20-30 minutes total on his tummy every day always under your watchful eye. As your baby gets older, you can leave him on his belly for longer stretches, since older babies need more time on their tummies to build strength. You can also arrange age-appropriate toys within his or her reach.

Remember, both you and your baby should be awake during tummy time!