It can also help to prevent flat spots on the head.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
What Exactly Is Tummy Time?
Developmental Benefits
Tummy time is important because it has several benefits.
Illustration by Danie Drankwalter for Verywell Health
It also helps to prevent flat spots on the back of the head.
Babies who practice tummy time also achieve more advanced skills earlier.
These skills include rolling, sitting unsupported, and walking.
Newborn
Your baby can start tummy time as early as the newborn stage.
you could also try tummy time on your chest.
Lie down on the ground and place your baby directly on your chest.
Then talk to your little one as they attempt to raise their head to look at you.
You could also move them to the floor.
Place a soft blanket down on the floor and have your baby lie on their tummy.
verify the blanket lies flat and is not too fluffy.
A good time to try is after your baby has had a diaper change.
Lay them down on a blanket on the floor and try placing a favorite toy in front of them.
This will encourage them to look up and reach.
They may also be slower to develop communication skills.
Without tummy time, your baby may require physical or occupational therapy to strengthen muscles and reach milestones.
Never practice tummy time at night or when your baby is asleep or very tired.
How Long and How Often
Your baby may not enjoy tummy time at first.
This is normal and expected, so ease into this practice with short sessions.
Aim to start with having your baby practice tummy time for three minutes about twice per day.
If they become fussy or upset, try talking, singing, and making eye contact to soothe them.
Positions to Try
Newborns and young babies can practice tummy time lying on your lap or chest.
As your baby gets older, place a blanket on the floor for them.
If your child has older siblings, involve them by having them practice tummy time next to your baby.
This could help to keep your baby engaged.
Only practice tummy time when your baby is awake and a caregiver is with them.
Benefits of tummy time include muscle strengthening, reaching milestones earlier, and preventing positional plagiocephaly.
Start with a three-minute session and work up from there as your baby tolerates it.
Remember that this is an important practice for their overall development.
As they get older, you may want to bring in some of their favorite toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your baby may not enjoy tummy time at first.
If they start to become fussy, try singing or talking to them.
Try placing your baby on their tummy for a short period and build up from there.
Talk with your healthcare provider or pediatrician about when your baby is ready to be done with tummy time.
Most babies no longer need it by 6 or 7 months of age.
Doctors have not always recommended tummy time.
In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended placing infants on their backs to sleep.
This was an important recommendation because it decreased the number of infant deaths due to SIDS.
However, the downside was that infants seemed slower to reach milestones.
To help babies develop strength and motor skills, pediatricians recommended trying tummy time while infants are awake.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.Tummy time for a healthy baby.
2020 Jun;145(6):e20192168.
doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2168
American Academy of Pediatrics.How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained.
