Tummy time for babies: When, how, and why it matters

For something that’s basically floor play, tummy time sure gets a lot of buzz. And understandably so, since every minute of supervised tummy time play builds big skills. Each wobbly lift of the head and tiny push of the arms helps your baby grow stronger and move closer to milestones like rolling and crawling. Here’s when to start, how to make it fun, and why it matters for your little one’s development.

What is tummy time?

Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like: Placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised []. From birth, these belly-down minutes build strength in the neck, shoulders, trunk, and pelvis, support milestones like rolling and crawling, and help prevent flat spots on the back of the head. Tummy time also provides sensory variety, giving babies a new perspective on their world and helping them adjust to different positions.

Benefits of tummy time

Tummy time has enormous developmental benefits for your baby []. Beginning early helps babies get used to the position and can make it less of a struggle later. Here are some of the key ways tummy time helps your little one grow:

• Stronger muscles: Builds strength in the neck, shoulders, arms, trunk, and core — muscles that lay the foundation for sitting, crawling, reaching, and even walking.

• Motor skills practice: Helps babies learn how to use that strength with control, coordinating movements like lifting their head, rolling over, and eventually crawling.

• Prevents flat spots: Reduces the risk of positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) by giving the back of the head a break [].

• Better coordination: Encourages sensory stimulation, head lifting, turning, and eventually reaching and weight shifting, which improves balance and overall body awareness.

• Visual exploration: Gives babies a new perspective — lifting their head lets them see faces, toys, and the world around them instead of just the ceiling []. 

• Sensory variety: Floor time lets babies kick, reach, touch, and explore different textures, like mats, blankets, even grass, or crinkly paper, which supports sensory system development and body awareness.

• Bonding time: Promotes interaction and connection with caregivers. Singing, talking, or lying face-to-face during tummy time turns exercise into play.

When to start tummy time

Tummy time can begin as soon as a day or two after birth []. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting early []— even once your baby is home from the hospital or birthing center — so they get comfortable on their belly and gradually build strength. If your baby was born preterm, or has reflux or physical challenges, it’s best to check in with your pediatrician before starting [].

How to do tummy time by age

Tummy time looks a little different as your baby grows. At any age, though, it’s important to get into the habit of rolling your baby into tummy time position, rather than just plopping them down onto a blanket or picking them straight up off of the floor. By rolling them consistently, you help teach them the movements of rolling. This motion is also excellent for sensory exploration and their vestibular system. 

Here’s how to adjust the activity at each stage:

Newborns (0 - 4 weeks)

You can start tummy time sessions with your baby in their first few days of life. It’s common for newborns to fuss or resist tummy time at first, so it’s perfectly OK to keep it gentle. Just a minute or two on their belly is fine, and you can build up as they get used to the position. The goal is to challenge them lightly so they can begin lifting their heads and looking around (similar to “cobra pose” in yoga) []. 

Place your baby tummy-down on your chest, across your lap, or on a firm blanket for short spurts throughout the day. Keep sessions around 3 - 5 minutes at a time and include intermittent breaks (about 1 or 2 minutes) in each tummy time session. Aim to gradually work up to about 20 minutes total per day []. Gently stroke their arms and shoulders, talk, or sing — your presence and voice are comforting and help them feel secure []. 

Making tummy time part of your routine after diaper changes works well for consistency, and it saves you from having to remember “one more thing” in those early days. Another variation is to lie on your back and put your newborn on your stomach for “tummy to tummy” time. You can also recline on a chair or sofa and place your baby flat on your chest at an angle [].

1 month old

Like newborns, at 1 month old most babies can handle just a few minutes a time on a flat surface. The goal is to gradually build up to 20 minutes of tummy time per day, broken into short spurts of 3 - 5 minutes.  

At 1 month old, babies can’t push up with straight arms yet, but they will often turn their head during tummy time and attempt to lift their head — even just for a second before putting it back down []. 

Begin practicing tummy time on safe, clean, flat surfaces like a play mat or firm blanket on the floor []. Get down on the floor at eye level, so your baby sees your face. Place colorful toys or a baby-safe, non-breakable mirror nearby to spark their curiosity, and keep sessions short but frequent throughout the day.

Your baby may begin to tolerate tummy time more at this age. Every baby is different, so don’t get discouraged if your little one still resists. Tummy time at this age is critical for helping your baby build muscles for future motor milestones, so every moment counts! []  

2 - 3 months old

By 2 months, your baby is likely ready for more floor-based tummy time. Aim for several short but frequent sessions (5 - 10 minutes each) throughout the day, building up to a total of around 30 minutes daily []. Even if your baby fusses, take a break then keep at it. Every bit of tummy time adds up.

At the 3 month stage, babies begin gaining head control and can usually lift their head to a 45 - 90 degree angle []. You may notice them pushing up slightly on their arms (though elbows are often still behind their shoulders) and tracking toys or faces with their eyes. Position colorful toys, nonbreakable mirrors, or your own face at eye level to spark curiosity and encourage head lifting []

Be sure to watch head positioning: Babies sometimes favor tilting to one side, but gently encourage them to look both ways. This helps prevent tightness in the neck muscles (positional torticollis) and supports balanced development [].

To keep it fun, try singing, using rattles, or even placing your baby tummy-down on an exercise ball (with hands on their sides for support) and gently rocking it back and forth []. These playful interactions make tummy time feel like a game while helping build strength and coordination.

4 - 5 months

By 4 months, tummy time usually starts to feel more playful and fun. Your baby’s core and upper body are stronger now, and you’ll likely see them rolling from back to stomach, lifting their head to a full 90 degrees, and propping themselves up on their forearms with elbows beneath their shoulders []. Their vision and curiosity are improving too, so they’ll track toys, voices, and faces with growing interest [].

As your baby approaches 5 months, you may notice even bigger moves — like baby “push-ups” with straight arms, lifting their chest higher off the ground, and reaching forward for toys within arm’s length. These early skills build coordination and balance and prepare them for crawling [].

To support this progress, aim for 60 - 90 minutes of tummy time per day, broken into shorter sessions. Make it interactive with rattles, mirrors, or toys just out of reach to spark movement. Try tummy time in new locations, like a blanket outside, to add fresh sights and textures []. You can even gently guide push-ups by placing your hands under your baby’s chest for support [].

6 months and older 

By 6 months old, tummy time becomes less about “practice” and more about play. Many babies now roll easily from back to stomach and back again, pivot in a circle while on their belly, and grab toys of different sizes within reach []. Some even begin to prefer being on their tummy, since it gives them freedom to move, explore, and play []

At this age, you can gradually work up to 60 - 90 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day. Though by now, much of it will look like self-directed play. Encourage rolling, reaching, and scooting by placing toys just out of reach. This stage naturally transitions into the early stages of crawling, which often begin between 6 and 9 months [].

Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your little one takes their time with these milestones. If you ever have concerns about your baby’s motor development, check in with your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance.

Fun tummy time activities for babies who don’t like it

Not every baby loves tummy time right away! If your little one protests, try mixing it up with playful tweaks and alternative positions:

• Tummy to tummy: Recline on a bed, couch, or the floor and place your baby on your chest or stomach while you’re both awake. This early bonding activity gives comfort, eye contact, and closeness while still counting as tummy time []. 

• Sing and chat: Talk, sing, make silly sounds, or exaggerate your expressions while lying face-to-face with your baby []. Your voice and interaction keep them interested.

• Bring out the toys: Place colorful rattles, teethers, or high-contrast cards nearby to spark curiosity. Varied textures and bold patterns are especially engaging [].

• Add a mirror: Babies love looking at faces — especially their own! A baby-safe (e.g., non-breakable) mirror at eye level encourages head lifting and visual exploration [].

• Encourage head turning: Gently move a toy side to side or place objects just out of reach so your baby practices turning their head [].

• Switch it up: Try tummy time on your lap, on your chest, or even outside on a blanket for a change of scenery. You can also use a large yoga ball or a rolled towel for extra support.

• Side lying with support: If the floor feels overwhelming, position your baby on their side with a rolled towel behind their back. Keep both arms forward, and offer a toy or book for distraction [].

• Think textures: Play on a blanket, play mat, a fuzzy blanket, grass, or even bare skin (if warm enough) so your baby experiences different sensations on their belly, arms, and legs [].

• Try a “football hold”: Lay your baby tummy-down across your forearm, supporting their head and neck. This soothing position gives them a new way to experience tummy time while staying close to you.

• Keep it short and sweet: Don’t feel pressured to keep your baby in tummy time if they’re crying or uncomfortable — even a minute or two is beneficial. Over time, most babies build comfort and stamina in this new position.

Common tummy time challenges

Tummy time isn’t always smooth sailing, but with patience and practice, most babies become more comfortable and even start to enjoy it. Here are some common hiccups and simple ways to make it easier:

• Baby cries during tummy time: Start with very short sessions (just 1 - 2 minutes) and build up gradually. Try tummy time on your chest or lap for extra comfort [].

• Baby seems uninterested: Get down at eye level and add some entertainment! Talk, sing, or introduce colorful toys and mirrors to catch their attention.

• Baby falls asleep: Always supervise tummy time []. If your baby nods off on their stomach, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moving them onto their back for safe sleep.

• Baby spits up: Wait at least 20 - 30 minutes after feeding before tummy time to reduce discomfort and vomiting []. If your baby has reflux [], keep sessions shorter and use a slightly inclined surface, like across your lap.

Tummy time chart: How much by age

Safety tips for tummy time

Keeping tummy time safe helps your baby enjoy the experience — and lets you relax, too! Here are some safety guidelines to keep in mind:

• Always supervise: Stay close and keep your eyes on your baby the entire time. Even as babies get older, supervision ensures they don’t get their face stuck down and can always breathe easily.

• Support newborns: In the early weeks, you may need to steady your baby’s floppy head with your hands. Short, gentle sessions help them gradually build strength.

• Choose firm, flat surfaces: Use a play mat or a clean, firm blanket on the floor. Avoid soft spots like couches, beds, or baby loungers, which can make it harder for babies to lift their heads and increase safety risks.

• Avoid tummy time right after feeding: Wait at least 20 - 30 minutes after meals to help prevent spit-up or discomfort.

• Move baby if they fall asleep: Tummy time is only for awake play. If your baby dozes off, gently place them on their back in a safe sleep space.

When to talk to a pediatrician

Every baby develops at their own pace, but some signs deserve a closer look. Reaching out early can help address developmental delays or conditions like torticollis, and your pediatrician can guide you with exercises or refer you to a specialist if needed.

• Strong head preference: Your baby consistently avoids turning their head to one side or shows a strong preference for one position when on their back, tummy, or a seated position, which may signal neck tightness [].

• Flat spots on the head: Noticeable flattening on the back or side of the skull []

• Limited head control: Not lifting their head at all by 2 months, or minimal control by 3 months .

• Delayed rolling: Not rolling over (back to tummy or tummy to back) by around 6 months [].

• Persistent distress: Ongoing crying or resistance during tummy time, even with shorter, more frequent sessions.

• Unusual muscle tone: Movements that feel very stiff or very floppy [].

Takeaway

• Start early and keep it consistent: Tummy time can begin from day one, even for just a minute or two at a time. Every bit adds up and prepares your little one for future milestones. There’s no such thing as too much tummy time for your growing baby!

• Think of it as play: Toys, mirrors, songs, and face-to-face interaction turn tummy time into bonding time while building strength.

• Build up gradually: By 4 - 6 months, most babies can enjoy 20 - 60 minutes of tummy play spread throughout the day, with 60 - 90 minutes per day by 6 months and older.

• Watch for progress: Tummy time supports key motor milestones, but check in with your pediatrician if you notice delays or ongoing challenges.