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What is Tummy Time? A Guide For New Parents: What It Is And When To Start

So what is tummy time? When should you start, how much does your baby actually need, and what do you do if your baby hates it? This guide walks through all of it, gently without the unnecessary pressure.

Dr Becky Kennedy

Dr Becky Kennedy, Clinical Psychologist

3 min read

mother and baby daughter enjoying tummy time and laughing

Introduction

When you bring a new baby home, the list of things to figure out is endless. Feeding. Pees and poops. Soothing your baby. All on much less sleep than you’re used to.

And somewhere in there, you’ve probably heard that your baby should be doing tummy time - which can feel like another thing you need to be on top of. 

So what is tummy time? When should you start, how much does your baby actually need, and what do you do if your baby hates it? This guide walks through all of it, gently without the unnecessary pressure. 

The quick version

  • Tummy time is awake supervised time your baby spends on their stomach.
  • You can start from day one for healthy, full-term babies.
  • How much tummy time shifts with age - short sessions as a newborn, building to 60 to 90 minutes total daily by 6 months.
  • If your baby hates tummy time, you’re not doing it wrong. Start small and stay close.

What is tummy time?

Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like: letting your baby spend time on their stomach. It’s a chance for your baby to use the muscles they don’t use when they’re on their back.

For over twenty years, pediatricians have recommended that babies sleep on their backs. That means that babies don’t get much practice on their stomachs. Tummy time gives those muscles a chance to build. 

Tummy time should only happen while your baby is alert and awake, and always with you or another caregiver present and engaged, watching to make sure your baby is safe.

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When to start tummy time

When should you start tummy time?  Whenever you’re ready, even from day one for healthy, full-term babies. The same rule about not placing your baby on their stomach to sleep still applies, but intentional, awake stomach time can begin right away.

If your baby was born preterm, has reflux, or if you have any questions about their readiness, consult your pediatrician before you start.

How much tummy time does my baby need?

If you’re hoping for a clean answer to “how much tummy time” - there isn’t one, and that’s actually okay. The ideal amount of tummy time changes as your baby grows and over the first months of your baby’s life, you can gradually increase it.

No matter what you’re aiming for, you can always split the total into many short sessions, to keep your baby’s - and your own - spirits up. Here’s a rough sense by age. 

Newborn tummy time (0–2 months) 

With a brand-new baby, start with 1 to 3 minute sessions, two to three times every day, and stretch the length of the sessions slowly as your baby gets used to it. Try to time sessions after naps or diaper changes, so that your baby is rested and comfortable. 

Tummy time at 2 to 4 months  

By this stage, around 15 to 30 minutes total tummy time per day is a common goal. But  it doesn’t have to happen at all at once. The best way to get there is with several short sessions over the course of the day.

While your infant works on tummy time, pay attention to their head control. As it gets stronger, you can gradually extend the length of your sessions. 

Tummy time at 4 to 6+ months 

Older babies can usually do more tummy time - by 6 months, around 60 to 90 minutes over the course of a day is a typical range. At this point, though, “tummy time” doesn’t have to mean watching your baby on their stomach anymore. It blends into play, reaching, and exploring.

Once your baby rolls consistently, you can stop setting up structured tummy time. They’ve got it from here.

Tummy time positions to try

There’s more than one way to do tummy time, and small changes in your setup can make a big difference - for you and your baby. Here are a few options for you to play with:

  • Tummy-to-tummy. Lie on your back and rest your baby on your chest, stomach down, so the two of you are face-to-face. This is one of the gentler ways to start, and it doubles as bonding time.
  • Face-to-face. Put your baby on their stomach, and then lie on your stomach to mirror them. This offers an opportunity for you and your baby to look at each other, and bond face-to-face. 
  • On a mat. Instead of the plain floor, you can try putting your baby on a firm mat, like a yoga mat.
  • Side-lying. If your baby is resistant to being on their stomach, try placing them on their side, propped up with a rolled blanket against their back. You can provide equal time on the right and left sides of their body. 
  • The rolled towel method. For a little extra support, roll up a towel and tuck it under your baby's chest with their arms forward over the top. The slight elevation makes lifting their head easier.As your baby gains strength, you can stop using the towel.

Whatever position you try, it’s always a good idea to place a hand on your baby for steadying support, and so they know you’re right there.

What if my baby hates tummy time?

Some babies don’t love being on their stomach. They may cry, fuss, and let you know in no uncertain terms that they’re done. This is so common, and it doesn't mean you’re doing it wrong or that something’s off with your baby. It’s hard work for them, especially at first.

Starting with very short sessions - even under one minute - and slowly stretching them out as your baby gets more comfortable tends to help. A few other things to try:

  • Stay engaged. Get down on their level, make eye contact, talk to them, sing. Your face is the most interesting thing in the room.
  • Bring in a prop. A high-contrast toy or a small mirror right in front of them can give your baby a reason to lift their head. 
  • Switch up the position. For a baby who really resists tummy time, your chest can be a great alternative. Try the tummy-to-tummy position: recline slightly and rest them belly-down on you, looking up at your face. Some babies need to start there before they’re ready for the floor. 

If tummy time is consistently a hard moment in your day, it’s okay to keep sessions short and try again later. Your baby isn’t behind, and you’re not failing them. You’re both figuring this out.

How to make tummy time easier

Tummy time doesn’t have to be a slog. A lot of how it goes comes down to timing - try to start when your baby is already calm and alert, and wait about twenty minutes after a feed, so they’re less likely to spit up. 

Once you’re in it, rotating toys can help keep things interesting - if you used one rattle yesterday, try a different one today. Talking to your baby, narrating what they’re doing, and noticing their efforts (“Look at your holding up your head!”) all help them connect tummy time with a warm, engaged moment with you. 

The more you weave it into your day, the more natural it feels - for both of you.

Tummy time safety and when to check in

Tummy time is generally safe and simple, but a few things are worth knowing - both to keep your baby safe and to help you spot when a quick conversation with your pediatrician might be useful.

Tummy time and flat spots on your baby’s head

When a baby spends a lot of time in one position - usually on their back - they can develop plagiocephaly, sometimes called flat head syndrome. While it has no effect on your baby’s health, it may change the shape of their head. 

Regular tummy time helps. So does varying which way your baby’s head is turned during awake time and play. If you notice a flat spot or have questions about your baby’s head shape, be sure to speak to your pediatrician.

Tummy time, sleep, and SIDS

Tummy time always happens during the day, while your baby is awake and alerts, with you or another caregiver right there.

For sleep, babies always go on their backs. Back-sleeping significantly reduces the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a simple way to remember: back to sleep, tummy to play.

When to check in with your pediatrician

As you and your baby move through these early months, your pediatrician is a built-in partner. A few things parents sometimes want to bring up: 

You notice that your baby has limited head control. 

  • You see any indication of torticollis, where your baby’s head consistently tilts to one side. 
  • You feel as though your baby is moving through milestones differently than you expected.

None of these mean something is wrong. They’re just worth a conversation.

You’re both doing this together

Tummy time, like a lot of things in early parenting, is simple in theory and harder in practice. Your baby may fuss, and you probably won’t enjoy watching them fuss. Both things can be true, and neither means you’re doing it wrong. 

The most useful thing you can bring to tummy time isn’t a perfect setup - it’s you. Your face, your voice, your hand on their back. Even something as simple as quietly saying “I know this is hard. I’m right here” helps your baby move through their frustration, because they're moving through it with you.

A village, when you want one

Tummy time is one small piece of a much bigger first year. If you’re looking for steady, expert-backed support across all of it - sleep, feeding, the 2 am spirals, the questions you can’t quite put words to - Good Inside is built for exactly that. Real guidance from people who get it, available whenever you need it.

Tummy Time FAQs

When can I start tummy time with a newborn?

You can start tummy time with your newborn right away, in most cases. Healthy, full-term newborns can begin tummy time within the first days home, in short stretches of one to two minutes a few times a day.

When should babies start having tummy time?

If you have a healthy, full-term baby, you can start tummy time as soon as you would like. If your baby was born preterm, has reflux, or has any other physical disabilities, talk to your pediatrician about when it makes sense to start.

What happens if you don’t give a baby tummy time?

Tummy time can help your baby build strong muscles and develop motor skills. It also may reduce head and neck issues, like flat head syndrome, and promote sensory development. Babies who get less tummy time may be slower to develop motor skills like rolling, crawling, and sitting.

Is 2 weeks too late to start tummy time?

No, 2 weeks is not too late to start tummy time! There is still plenty of time for your baby to practice being on their belly.

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