Why Tummy Time Matters and How to Do It Right
 Category | Physiology |
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Medically reviewed by pediatrician Alexandra Zglavosiy
Tummy time helps strengthen your baby’s muscles and prepares them for rolling over and crawling. Start with 2–3 minutes a day in the first weeks, increasing to 15–20 minutes by 3 months. Always use a firm surface and stay nearby. Tummy time is for awake time only — never during sleep.
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Quick takeaways
- Tummy time builds strength: it helps babies develop head control, back and shoulder muscles, and the coordination they’ll need for rolling, crawling, and sitting.
- Start early: just 2–3 minutes a day in the first weeks, gradually increasing to 15–20 minutes by 3 months.
- Always supervise: use a firm surface and never leave your baby unattended.
- Never let your baby sleep on their stomach — tummy time is only for awake time. Sleeping on the tummy increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Tummy Time Is a Foundation for Healthy Development
Newborn muscles are still developing, and tummy time helps strengthen them from the start. It supports:
- Head and neck control: Lifting the head during tummy time strengthens neck and back muscles and helps babies learn to hold their head up.
- Motor development: It encourages babies to push up, reach, and move — essential for rolling, crawling, and eventually sitting.
- Preventing flat head syndrome: Changing head position reduces pressure on the back of the skull.
- Coordination: Reaching for toys or turning the head builds hand-eye coordination and body awareness.
Start Tummy Time in the First Weeks of Life
Tummy time should begin in the first weeks of life — and become part of your daily routine.
- From birth to 1 month
Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, begin with 2–3 minutes of tummy time daily on a firm, safe surface. Increase gradually to 5 minutes.
- 1–3 months
Work up to 10–15 minutes a few times a day. At this stage, your baby may start lifting their head, an important sign of muscle development.
- After 3 months
Babies often enjoy 15–20 minutes of tummy time several times a day. Many begin reaching for toys or pushing up, which boosts coordination and strength.
Tummy time is usually safe even if your baby has mild colic — just watch their reactions and stop if they seem uncomfortable
Make It Safe — and Get Your Baby Involved
- Use a flat, stable surface (firm mattress, padded playmat, or changing pad).
- Gently place your baby on their tummy with arms forward and chest down.
- Use toys to make it engaging: a bright rattle, a mirror, or your face works great.
- Stay close. Never leave your baby alone during tummy time.
- Start with short sessions and build up as your baby gets stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Time
Why is tummy time important for babies?
Tummy time helps strengthen your baby's neck, back, and shoulder muscles, supports coordination, and prepares them for important developmental milestones such as rolling over, crawling, and sitting. It may also help prevent flat head syndrome.
When should I start tummy time with my baby?
You can begin tummy time in the first weeks of life after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable.
What if my baby doesn't like tummy time?
This is common. Try shorter sessions, place your baby on your chest, use toys or mirrors, and interact face-to-face. Many babies gradually learn to enjoy tummy time with regular practice.
Can my baby sleep on their stomach?
No. Tummy time is only safe when your baby is awake and supervised. For sleep, babies should always be placed on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Sources
- “Back to sleep, tummy to play”, American Academy of Pediatrics, (2017), https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
- Hewitt L, Kerr E, Stanley RM, Okely AD. Tummy Time and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2020 Jun;145(6):e20192168. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-2168. Epub 2020 May 5. PMID: 32371428. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32371428/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
- Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I; TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME AND THE COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN. Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment. Pediatrics. 2022 Jul 1;150(1):e2022057990. doi: 10.1542/peds.2022-057990. PMID: 35726558. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35726558/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
- Jantz JW, Blosser CD, Fruechting LA. A motor milestone change noted with a change in sleep position. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1997 Jun;151(6):565-8. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1997.02170430031006. PMID: 9193239. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9193239/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
- Argenta LC, David LR, Wilson JA, Bell WO. An increase in infant cranial deformity with supine sleeping position. J Craniofac Surg. 1996 Jan;7(1):5-11. doi: 10.1097/00001665-199601000-00005. PMID: 9086895. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9086895/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
- Davis BE, Moon RY, Sachs HC, Ottolini MC. Effects of sleep position on infant motor development. Pediatrics. 1998 Nov;102(5):1135-40. doi: 10.1542/peds.102.5.1135. PMID: 9794945. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9794945/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.