How to Do Tummy Time With Your Baby
Every new parent wants to help their baby grow strong and healthy. Tummy time is an important part of early development for newborns. It helps babies build muscles needed for things like lifting their head, rolling over, and even sitting up later on.
Starting tummy time soon after birth can make a big difference. Parents often wonder when and how to do tummy time, especially when their baby needs to feed often and still seems so small. Learning the basics can make tummy time fun, safe, and a normal part of daily routines.
Try Chest-to-Chest Position
Begin tummy time by reclining at about a 45-degree angle and placing your baby directly on your chest. In this position, your baby rests on their stomach, lifts their head, and gazes up at you—an activity that helps strengthen neck, shoulder, and back muscles essential for future growth. Chat with your baby or make eye contact to keep them engaged, as this not only holds their attention but also adds comfort and connection during the session.
Prop It Up with Simple Supports
Use simple items like a nursing pillow, rolled-up blanket, or small towel to make tummy time easier, especially in the early weeks. These props give a slight lift, usually at a 30- to 45-degree angle, so babies can move their arms forward and start pushing up. This helps their shoulder muscles and builds trunk strength with less strain.
Other helpful props include a muslin swaddle or kitchen towel. Place toys, books, or yourself nearby to grab your baby’s attention and encourage movement. Sing familiar nursery songs with hand motions to keep your baby interested and help them practice reaching and turning.
Tummy Time in Your Lap
Sit on the floor with outstretched legs and place your baby’s chest against your legs for support and comfort. This position lets babies look around and see more of their surroundings, while also providing closeness through gentle touch. Talk, sing, or softly rub your baby’s back to keep them entertained.
When your baby starts to gain strength, place a knee under their chest to give a little extra lift and support as your child tries to sit up. Use nearby toys or colorful blankets to hold your baby’s attention and make the sitting experience more enjoyable.
Turn Tummy Time into Playtime
Entertain your baby during tummy time by lying on the floor, face-to-face, which encourages visual development as your baby focuses on familiar faces. Place a small mirror at an angle so your baby can notice their own reflection, adding extra excitement to the activity.
Bring in toys, especially a favorite toy or one with bright patterns, to keep your baby’s attention. Show toys with high-contrast colors, like black and white, to help stimulate their sight. Offer a soft blanket for comfort if your baby becomes fussy or tired.
Use a Ball to Build Balance
Use an exercise ball for tummy time to help your baby get used to different directions. Place your baby stomach-down on the ball, keep a steady hand for safety, and gently rock the ball back, forth, and from side to side. This gentle motion lets your baby practice balance and body awareness.
Benefits of this activity include:
- Strengthening core muscles needed for crawling and rolling
- Developing proprioception, so your baby learns how their body moves
- Increasing comfort with movement, making rolling over easier
Use the Football Hold
Once your baby can hold their head up, try new ways to make tummy time different and fun. Carry your baby face-down along your arm in the “football hold” and walk around the house or outside. This hold encourages your baby to use their neck and back muscles while being gently supported.
During the walk, describe things in the environment or play little games by pretending your baby is “flying.” This entertains your baby and introduces them to new sights and sounds. The stroll provides a comfortable alternative to upright positions while still strengthening important muscles needed for standing later on.
Play the Baby Airplane Game
Lie on your back and bring your knees up toward your chest. Gently place your baby on your shins, facing you, with their chest resting against your legs for security. Let your baby’s arms rest along your legs for comfort and safety. This playful activity works well once your baby has steady head control, usually by two or three months old. Make fun airplane noises and pretend flights to keep your baby laughing. Play after some time has passed since the last feeding to avoid spit-up.
Let Baby Explore Bare and Cozy
After a diaper change, place your baby on a soft blanket or towel and let them move freely without clothes. During this playtime, your baby can watch or interact with a stuffed toy, while you join in by lying nearby and making faces or talking. This simple activity helps with tummy time and lets the skin breathe, supporting both comfort and sensory growth.
Keep Toys Close with Wrist Rattles
Attach rattles or crinkly toys to your baby’s wrists to help them enjoy tummy time more. These toys stay close and within reach, so your baby can see and touch them without frustration. Since newborns have limited movement, having toys on their wrists helps them interact and play independently.
If the toys make gentle sounds or have bright colors, they can catch your baby’s attention and support their sensory growth. This setup also keeps toys from rolling away, so your baby can stay happy and engaged for a longer period.
Tips for Babies Who Dislike Tummy Time
If your baby dislikes tummy time, try simple ways to help. Keep favorite toys nearby to encourage them to lift their head and reach forward. Place a mirror at eye level to make it fun for your baby to look at their own reflection and practice visual skills. Get down on the floor so your baby can see your face, which can make tummy time feel more comfortable and less lonely.
For babies with conditions like torticollis or a flat spot, frequent short tummy time sessions may be especially helpful. Add a few minutes of tummy time after diaper changes or baths, but skip it right after feeding to avoid discomfort. Sing, read, or engage your baby during tummy time to keep them interested and help develop neck and shoulder muscles.
Make the Most of Tummy Time
Tummy time helps babies grow by developing strong neck, trunk, arm, and leg muscles. As infants build these muscles, they improve their motor skills and reach important milestones like rolling over, crawling, and lifting their heads on their own.
Parents can make tummy time more engaging by placing colorful toys just out of reach, which encourages infants to stretch, reach, and eventually start crawling. This approach supports physical development and helps babies become more independent over time. As children gain confidence, parents shift from being active helpers to becoming trusting supporters.
Parents can keep tummy time fun and fresh with tools they already have at home. A soft blanket and a few favorite rattles or mirrors usually create a space that keeps babies interested. With creativity, parents can make tummy time a stress-free part of everyday routines for both children and caregivers.
