Tummy Time: Why It Matters and How to Make It Fun

Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like — supervised time your baby spends on their stomach while awake. It’s one of the simplest activities you can do with your baby, yet it provides enormous benefits for physical development.

Since the Back to Sleep campaign began in 1994, placing babies on their backs for sleep has dramatically reduced SIDS rates. But increased back-sleeping also led to more babies developing flat spots on their heads (positional plagiocephaly) and delayed motor skills. Tummy time is the antidote — it gives babies the opportunity to strengthen muscles and practice movements they can’t do on their backs.

Why tummy time matters

Prevents flat head syndrome: Babies’ skulls are soft and moldable. Constant pressure on the back of the head from lying down can cause flattening. Tummy time relieves this pressure.

Builds neck and shoulder strength: Lifting the head against gravity strengthens the muscles needed for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking.

Develops motor skills: Tummy time is where babies first learn to push up on their arms, reach for toys, pivot, and eventually crawl.

Promotes sensory development: Being on their stomach gives babies a different view of the world and different sensory input than back-lying.

Supports visual development: Tracking objects while on their tummy helps develop eye coordination and depth perception.

Prevents motor delays: Research shows babies who get regular tummy time reach motor milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling earlier than those who don’t.

Tummy time by age

Newborn to 2 months: Getting started

Goal: 3–5 minutes, 2–3 times per day

Newborns can start tummy time from day one. At this age, many babies will simply rest their head on the surface or turn it side to side. This is fine — they’re still getting benefits.

How to do it:

• Place your baby on a clean, firm surface (play mat, blanket on the floor)
• Lie down facing them — your face is the best motivation
• Start with 1–2 minutes and gradually increase
• Try chest-to-chest tummy time — recline and lay baby on your chest

What to expect: Some fussing is normal. Newborns have limited head control and may find the position unfamiliar. Short, frequent sessions work better than long ones.

2–4 months: Building strength

Goal: 20–30 minutes total per day (can be broken into short sessions)

Your baby will start pushing up on their forearms, lifting their head higher, and holding it steadier. They may begin to track toys and reach while on their tummy.

Activities:

• Place toys just within reach to encourage reaching
• Use a small rolled towel under their chest for support
• Prop a board book or mirror in front of them
• Tummy time on an exercise ball (with you holding them securely)

What to expect: Your baby should be able to lift their head 45–90 degrees and hold it steady. They may start pushing up on straight arms.

4–6 months: Getting mobile

Goal: 60–90 minutes total per day (cumulative)

This is when tummy time gets exciting. Your baby will likely be pushing up on straight arms, pivoting in circles, and possibly inching forward or backward. Many babies start rolling tummy-to-back and back-to-tummy during this period.

Activities:

• Place toys slightly out of reach to encourage movement
• Tummy time at different heights (couch cushions, your lap)
• Water play — shallow tray of water with toys while on tummy
• Reading books while on their stomach

What to expect: Your baby may start showing signs of pre-crawling — rocking on hands and knees, army crawling, or commando crawling.

6+ months: Crawling preparation

Goal: Continue regular tummy time until crawling is established

Once your baby can sit independently and is mobile (crawling, scooting, or cruising), formal tummy time becomes less necessary — they’re getting plenty of tummy-down time through play. But continue offering opportunities until walking is established.

What if my baby hates tummy time?

Many babies protest tummy time, especially at first. This is normal but frustrating. Try these strategies:

Start small: Even 30 seconds counts. Build up gradually.

Change the surface: Some babies prefer a firmer surface; others like a softer one. Try different options.

Use your body: Chest-to-chest tummy time on a reclined parent often meets less resistance than the floor.

Distract with novelty: New toys, mirrors, siblings, pets — anything interesting to look at.

Try different times: Some babies tolerate tummy time better when well-rested; others do better when slightly hungry (motivated to lift their head looking for a feed).

Go outside: Tummy time on a blanket in the grass or on a patio can be more interesting than indoors.

Never leave them to cry: If your baby is genuinely distressed, pick them up. Tummy time should be challenging, not traumatic. Try again later.

Make it social: Get on the floor with them. Face-to-face interaction makes it more engaging.

Tummy time safety

Always supervise: Never leave your baby unattended during tummy time.

Firm, safe surface: Use a play mat, blanket, or carpet — not a bed, couch, or elevated surface where they could roll off.

Awake time only: Tummy time is for when your baby is awake and alert. For sleep, always place babies on their backs.

Watch for signs of fatigue: Yawning, eye rubbing, or decreased activity mean it’s time for a break.

Clear the area: Remove small objects, cords, and anything your baby could pull down on themselves.

Integrating tummy time into your day

You don’t need a formal “tummy time session.” Build it into daily routines:

• After diaper changes, roll baby onto their tummy for a minute
• During playtime, alternate between back and tummy positions
• After naps, before picking baby up, do a few minutes of tummy time
• During baths, support baby on their tummy in the water
• When you’re reading or on your phone, do it on the floor next to your baby

The goal is cumulative time throughout the day — not one long session.

FAQ

Is tummy time really necessary?

While some babies who get little tummy time still develop normally, research consistently shows benefits for motor development, head shape, and strength. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to support your baby’s physical development. Think of it as exercise — not strictly mandatory, but highly beneficial.

What if my baby falls asleep during tummy time?

If your baby dozes off on their tummy, gently roll them onto their back. Tummy sleeping increases SIDS risk. If your baby consistently falls asleep during tummy time, try doing it when they’re more alert — right after a nap rather than before.

Can tummy time cause SIDS?

No — as long as it’s done when your baby is awake and supervised. The SIDS risk applies to unsupervised sleep on the tummy. Supervised tummy time while awake is safe and recommended.

My baby rolled over during tummy time. Should I flip them back?

Once your baby can roll both ways independently, you don’t need to reposition them. They’ve demonstrated they can protect their airway. Continue offering tummy time, but let them choose their position.

Do babies who are carried a lot need less tummy time?

Babywearing provides some similar benefits — different head positions, engagement with the environment, and time not on the back of the head. However, it doesn’t fully replace tummy time. Babies still need time on their stomachs to practice pushing up, reaching, and pre-crawling movements.

Sources

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Tummy Time Activities. HealthyChildren.org.
2. Kuo, Y.L., et al. (2008). The influence of wakeful prone positioning on motor development during the early life. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 29(5), 367–376.
3. Davis, B.E., et al. (1998). Effects of sleep position on infant motor development. Pediatrics, 102(5), 1135–1140.
4. van Vlimmeren, L.A., et al. (2007). The effect of the Back to Sleep campaign on the development of positional plagiocephaly. European Journal of Pediatrics, 166(7), 711–718.