Tummy time chart and positions by age: how much, when, and how

Tummy time is one of your baby’s very first ways to play, and it just happens to come with big benefits. On their belly, your little one is busy building neck and upper body strength for milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and even walking (even if it looks like they’re just squirming around for now). Our tummy time chart by age walks you through positions, length, and schedule tips, plus easy ways to keep the whole thing fun for both of you.

Why tummy time changes with age

Tummy time isn’t just a baby buzzword — it’s a developmental essential. When your baby spends time on their tummy throughout babyhood, they’re practicing the building blocks of movement, play, and exploration necessary for each developmental stage and milestone []. 

Here’s a look at why the experience shifts as your little one grows:

• Strength builds gradually: At first, tummy time is about short, assisted sessions to encourage your baby’s head lifting. Over time, your baby develops the core and upper body muscles needed to push up, roll, and reach.

• Progress with motor skills: What starts as wobbly head control transforms into pushing up on arms, reaching for toys, rotating to explore, sitting up, and ultimately, crawling and walking later on. 

• Visual awareness grows: Spending time on their belly gives babies a new perspective, helping them practice visual tracking, focus, and coordination.

• Play evolves: Early tummy time may initially look like wiggling (and fussing!), but it quickly transitions into interactive play with baby-safe mirror time, toys, and face-to-face bonding.

• Sessions last longer: As your baby gains endurance and confidence, tummy time stretches from just a few minutes to longer spans of independent floor play. Remember: There’s no such thing as “too much” tummy time at any stage of infancy! 

Tummy time chart by age

Every baby’s tummy time journey looks a little different, but having a general guide can help. Here’s a tummy time chart by age with suggested durations, sample sessions, and milestone signs to look for along the way. 

Remember: There’s no such thing as “too much tummy time.” If your kiddo tolerates it, you can’t overdo it! 

Tummy time milestones by month

Keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t stress if your little one’s timeline looks a bit different from what’s listed here. Here’s a month-by-month look at what those milestones often include []:

• Newborn (0 - 4 weeks): Begins lifting head briefly, especially during chest-to-chest tummy time. May turn their head to one side.

• 1 month: Holds head up a little longer while on the floor or your lap. May start to push up slightly with arms.

• 2 months: Lifts head 45 - 90 degrees during tummy time. Beginning to push up on forearms and track toys or faces with their eyes.

• 3 months: Pushes up higher on arms, with chest coming off the ground. Turns head smoothly in both directions. Builds more consistent head control.

• 4 months: Lifts head and chest with straighter arms (“mini push-up”). May begin reaching for toys or rolling to the side.

• 5 months: Rolls front-to-back. Pushes up firmly on arms and may pivot in circles to explore.

• 6 months: At this stage, tummy time pretty much becomes baby-led playtime on the floor. Rolling, reaching, and early attempts at crawling often take center stage.

Baby-friendly tummy time positions

There are lots of playful, age-appropriate ways to get started with tummy time. It’s best to consistently roll your baby in and out of their tummy time positions, rather than plopping them down on a blanket or picking them straight up off the floor. This way, you help teach them the movements of rolling while supporting sensory exploration and their vestibular system. 

Here's how tummy time will likely progress throughout those first 6+ months of your baby's life:

Newborn (0 - 4 weeks) 

Start with short sessions, even just 1 - 2 minutes at a time to begin with. Place your baby tummy-down on your chest, across your lap, or on a firm blanket. Remember to use a soft surface until your baby’s umbilical piece falls off. Placing your baby chest-to-chest, or “tummy to tummy,” as you recline, is soothing and helps your baby practice those first wobbly head lifts.

1 month

Most babies can manage only a few minutes at a time on a flat surface, so don’t worry if sessions are still short and fussy at this age. Try using a play mat or blanket, and get down to eye level so they can see your face. Placing a rolled up towel underneath them helps increase some babies’ tolerance to tummy time. Gentle encouragement, whether through your voice or touch, helps them build strength without too much frustration.

2 months 

Place your baby on a safe, firm surface with elbows tucked forward for support. Babies this age may start lifting their head 45 - 90 degrees and pushing up slightly on forearms. Add a nonbreakable mirror or high-contrast toy to keep things engaging.

3 months

Your baby’s upper body is stronger now. They may push up on forearms with their chest off the ground and turn their head both ways. Place toys around them to encourage reaching, or roll up a towel under the chest for extra support.

4 - 5 months 

Tummy time becomes playful and interactive. Babies may push up on their straight arms (“baby push-ups”), roll over, and reach for toys. Try different textures (like grass, a fuzzy blanket, or crinkly paper) or scatter toys around to inspire movement and exploration.

6 months and older

By now, tummy time typically resembles free play. Babies often roll, pivot, and grab toys easily, working up to 60 - 90 minutes total per day. Encourage scooting and exploration as these early moves naturally lead into crawling.

When to talk to a pediatrician

Every baby moves at their own pace, but sometimes tummy time struggles are worth checking out. Reaching out early can ease your mind and help your pediatrician identify concerns such as torticollis [] or delayed motor development. Additionally, your pediatrician can recommend exercises, offer reassurance, or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Here are a few signs to look for by age:

• Newborn (0 - 4 weeks): If your baby refuses all tummy time, even for a few seconds on your chest or lap, or seems unusually floppy or stiff.

• 1 month: Your baby isn’t attempting to lift their head at all, or shows a strong preference for keeping their head turned only to one side [].

• 2 months: By 6 - 8 weeks, most babies begin lifting their head briefly. If your baby doesn’t lift their head at all during tummy time, or struggles to move it side to side, it’s worth checking in [].

• 3 months: Babies typically push up on their forearms and lift their head to 45 - 90 degrees []. If your little one still isn’t engaging, talk to your pediatrician.

• 4 - 5 months: If your baby isn’t propping up on arms, reaching toward toys, or starting to roll from tummy to side, bring it up at your next visit [].

• 6 months and older: Your baby hasn’t rolled in either direction, still struggles with head control, or consistently resists being on their tummy.

Takeaway

• Tummy time is play with a purpose. It helps babies build neck, shoulder, and core strength for milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling.

• Duration grows with age. Start with just a minute or two for newborns and gradually work up to 60 - 90 minutes of tummy time per day by 6 months, broken into short sessions. There’s no such thing as too much tummy time! 

• Positions evolve as babies grow. From chest-to-chest in the early days to floor play with toys and baby-safe mirrors, tummy time becomes more engaging and playful over time.

• Know when to check in. Every baby develops at their own pace, but if your little one shows no head lifting by 2 months, isn’t pushing up by 3 - 4 months, or avoids tummy time entirely, talk with your pediatrician.