Ultimate Guide to Tummy Time
Tummy time is more than just playtime for your baby—it’s a critical activity that supports healthy development from the start. Whether you're a first-time mom or navigating newborn days with multiple little ones, tummy time can help your baby build essential skills and reach developmental milestones. In this guide, we’ll dive into tummy time recommendations by age, its numerous benefits, and a powerful statistic showing just how much tummy time can help reduce the risk of flat head syndrome.
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time simply means placing your baby on their stomach while they're awake and supervised. This position encourages your baby to lift their head, kick their legs, and push up with their arms, building strength in their neck, shoulders, and core muscles. All of these movements lay the foundation for rolling, sitting, crawling, and beyond.
What is Tummy Time?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other experts recommend tummy time as an essential part of a baby’s daily routine. It helps prevent positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and supports motor skill development. A 2017 study published in Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics found that babies who engaged in at least 15 minutes of tummy time, three times per day, had a 35% lower incidence of flat head syndrome compared to those who did not.
This statistic highlights the power of tummy time to protect your baby’s head shape while giving them the physical foundation they need to thrive.
My Favorite Tummy Time Toys
Tummy Time Recommendations by Age
Newborn to 3 Months
Goal: Start with a few minutes per session, working up to a total of 15–30 minutes per day.
Tips: Position your baby on a soft, firm surface, like a play mat or blanket. You can even start with tummy time on your chest, which is a gentle and comforting introduction.
Focus: At this stage, tummy time helps strengthen neck muscles and teaches your baby to lift their head.
3 to 6 Months
Goal: Aim for 30–60 minutes per day, broken up into shorter sessions.
Tips: Place toys in front of your baby to encourage them to reach and look around. This builds arm strength and improves visual tracking.
Focus: By this age, babies may start pushing up on their arms, which helps develop the muscles needed for sitting and rolling.
6 to 9 Months
Goal: Continue with at least 60 minutes per day.
Tips: Use tummy time to support other milestones, like learning to crawl. You can encourage your baby to reach and pivot by placing toys just out of reach.
Focus: Babies become more mobile around this age, and tummy time provides them with a safe place to practice their skills.
9 to 12 Months
Goal: Maintain at least 60 minutes of tummy time daily as your baby approaches their first birthday.
Tips: Though your baby may spend more time sitting and crawling now, keep tummy time part of their routine to maintain their muscle tone and coordination.
Focus: Babies are often beginning to crawl, pull up, and explore. Tummy time provides a strong base for these advanced motor skills.
Benefits of Tummy Time
The benefits of tummy time extend far beyond physical strength. Here’s a look at why tummy time is so valuable for your baby’s health and development:
Reduces the Risk of Flat Head Syndrome: As the 2017 study showed, babies who get enough tummy time have a 35% lower risk of developing flat head syndrome. Tummy time gives your baby the chance to spend time off their back, distributing pressure more evenly across the head and supporting healthy skull development.
Builds Strength and Muscle Tone: Tummy time strengthens neck, shoulder, arm, and core muscles, all of which are necessary for rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. Babies who get consistent tummy time often reach these motor milestones sooner.
Encourages Sensory Development: During tummy time, your baby is exposed to a new perspective. They can see, feel, and hear their surroundings in a different way, which supports sensory development and helps them learn more about the world around them.
Improves Visual Tracking: As babies lift their heads and look around, they practice focusing on objects and tracking movement with their eyes. This helps with visual development and prepares them for tasks like reaching and grasping.
Promotes Cognitive Development: Tummy time fosters exploration and curiosity as babies begin to notice their hands, reach for toys, and understand cause and effect. These early movements are building blocks for cognitive skills like problem-solving.
Encourages Social Interaction: You’re a big part of tummy time! Laying down in front of your baby, smiling, and talking can help them feel comfortable and engaged. This face-to-face interaction supports emotional bonding and social skills.
Tips for Making Tummy Time Enjoyable
If your baby isn’t a fan of tummy time at first, don’t worry—it’s common for babies to fuss initially. Here are a few tips to make it more enjoyable:
Start Small: Begin with just a minute or two at a time and gradually build up as your baby gets stronger and more comfortable.
Use a Mirror: Babies love looking at their reflection. Place a baby-safe mirror in front of them during tummy time to hold their attention.
Join In: Get down on the floor with your baby! Being close and offering encouragement can make tummy time feel safe and fun.
Incorporate Tummy Time Into Daily Activities: Try placing your baby on their tummy after diaper changes or as part of playtime.
Making Tummy Time Part of Your Routine
Like any new routine, tummy time becomes easier with consistency. You don’t have to fit it all in at once—short, frequent sessions add up over the day and can make a big difference. As your baby grows, you’ll likely see them become more comfortable and confident in this position.
Tummy time is a simple yet powerful way to support your baby’s development. From building strength to reducing the risk of flat head syndrome by 35%, the benefits are clear. So, grab a play mat, lay down with your little one, and enjoy these moments of connection and growth. Your baby’s body—and brain—will thank you!