As parents, we are always looking for ways to support our baby’s growth and development. One simple but powerful activity recommended by pediatricians and child development experts is tummy time. While it may seem like a small step, spending time on their tummies helps babies build strength, develop motor skills, and reach important milestones faster.
Tummy time is the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. It can be done on a blanket on the floor, on a play mat, or even on your chest. This activity should begin as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital and continue throughout infancy.
When babies lift their heads during tummy time, they’re working out their neck, shoulders, arms, and back. This builds the muscle strength they’ll need to roll over, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk.
Spending too much time lying on their backs can lead to positional plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head). Tummy time provides a break from back-sleeping and helps shape your baby’s head more naturally.
Tummy time encourages babies to reach for toys, push up with their arms, and kick their legs—activities that enhance hand-eye coordination, balance, and movement skills.
Being on the tummy gives babies a new perspective of the world. They learn to track objects, focus on faces, and respond to sounds while in a different position.
As your baby learns to lift their head, push up, and eventually crawl, they feel a sense of achievement. This builds confidence and independence in their developmental journey.
Newborns (0–2 months): Start with just 1–2 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
Infants (2–4 months): Increase to 10–15 minutes, several times a day.
Older babies (4–6 months): Aim for 20–30 minutes or more throughout the day.
Remember, tummy time should always be supervised. Never place your baby on their tummy to sleep—always put them on their back for safe sleep.
Lay on the floor face-to-face with your baby.
Place colorful toys within their reach to encourage movement.
Use a rolled-up towel or tummy time pillow for added support.
Let your baby rest on your chest while you recline—they’ll love looking up at you!
Tummy time may seem like a small activity, but it plays a big role in your baby’s growth and development. Just a few minutes each day can help strengthen muscles, prevent flat head syndrome, and prepare your little one for important milestones like crawling and walking.
So spread out a soft blanket, get down on the floor, and make tummy time a fun, bonding activity for both you and your baby. 💙
