New Born

Article

Tummy Time for Babies: Benefits, When to Start & What to Expect

Apr 1, 2025

4 mins

Educational Material Reviewed by Dr. A.G. Karthikeyan, Director – Department of Pediatrics, Sai Mother & Child Health Centre, Chennai

Key Takeaways

Tummy time is recommended from around 4-5 months of age
It strengthens neck, shoulder, and head muscles essential for development
Supports key milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling
Can aid digestion by stretching abdominal muscles
Always supervised - baby should be awake during every tummy time session

Here’s a tip: Tummy time is the secret to support developing muscles and other developmental milestones!

Tummy time is a fundamental activity recommended for infants around 4-5 months of age, laying the groundwork for overall development. While your little one is busy getting stronger and practicing their skills, you get some special time to connect.

What Is Tummy Time and Why Is It Important?

Tummy time is the time your baby spends lying on their tummy while they are awake and supervised by an adult.¹ Think of it as a workout for your little one. While your baby may not like it initially, it is essential to help them grow strong.

Tummy time helps strengthen key muscle groups, including the neck, shoulders, and head.² These muscles are crucial for achieving important developmental milestones such as rolling, getting ready for accepting solid foods at 6 months, sitting, and crawling.³ It also encourages babies to practice movements that are foundational for their motor skill development.⁴

Explore fun tummy time activities for your baby

tummy time meaning

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Time for Babies?

Experts universally recommend that babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep⁵.Tummy time comes serves as a vital counterbalance to strengthen your baby’s muscles.⁶

Bonus benefit: Tummy time has also been suggested to support normal, comfortable digestion for the baby. While on their tummy, babies get to stretch their abdominal muscles which in turn can stimulate the bowel and help to pass gas.⁷

How Do You Do Tummy Time with a Newborn?

Engaging in tummy time with your baby is a wonderful way to bond and support their development. This will help them build the strength needed for sliding on their bellies and eventually crawling. You can make tummy time engaging by lying down with your baby, placing toys within their reach, or simply interacting with them face-to-face⁵.Here are some fun tummy time activities for your little one.

What Should You Do If Your Baby Hates Tummy Time?

Some babies take a little longer to warm up to it and that’s okay! Start with just a minute or two and gradually build up. You can also try propping them up slightly with a small rolled-up towel under their chest for extra support. And remember, every bit of tummy time counts, even if it's just a few seconds here and there.

Pro Tip

Tip number 1

Schedule tummy time right after a diaper change or when your baby wakes up from a nap. These moments are perfect since your little one will be alert, active, and ready for some playful interactions!5

How Can You Make Tummy Time a Daily Routine?

Remember, every minute of tummy time contributes to your baby's physical development, fostering confidence and independence as they explore the world around them. So, roll out a soft mat, and let your little one enjoy their tummy time adventure!

Dr. A.G. Karthikeyan

Director – Department of Pediatrics, Sai Mother & Child Health Centre, Chennai

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional

References

Hewitt L, Kerr E, Stanley RM, Okely AD. Tummy Time and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20192168. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2168
Russell DC, Kriel H, Physiotherapy M, Joubert G, Goosen Y, Soc M. Prone positioning and motor development in the first 6 weeks of life. South Afr J Occup Ther. 2009;39(1)
Dudek-Shriber L, Zelazny S. The Effects of Prone Positioning on the Quality and Acquisition of Developmental Milestones in Four-Month-Old Infants. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2007;19(1):48-55. doi:10.1097/01.pep.0000234963.72945.b1
Salls JS, Silverman LN, Gatty CM. The relationship of infant sleep and play positioning to motor milestone achievement. Am J Occup Ther Off Publ Am J Occup Ther Off Publ Am Occup Ther Assoc. 2002;56(5):577-580. doi:10.5014/ajot.56.5.577
Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play. HealthyChildren.org. January 20, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/back-to-sleep-tummy-to-play.aspx?_gl=1*1fp9efk*_ga*NDYwMTMxODQzLjE3MzQ1MDA1NDU.*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTczNDUwMDU0NC4xLjAuMTczNDUwMDU0NC4wLjAuMA..
Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (flat head syndrome). nhs.uk. October 19, 2017. Accessed December 18, 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plagiocephaly-brachycephaly/
Best Tips For Your Baby’s Stomach Health & Reflux | Nestlé Baby & me. Accessed January 8, 2025. https://www.nestlebaby.ca/3-tips-for-your-babys-happy-he

Related FAQ's

What is tummy time?

Tummy time is the time your baby spends lying on their tummy while awake and supervised by an adult. Think of it as a workout for your little one that helps them grow strong.

When should I start tummy time for my baby?

Tummy time is recommended from around 4-5 months of age. Start with short sessions of just a minute or two and gradually build up as your baby gets more comfortable. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your baby

What are the benefits of tummy time for babies?

Tummy time strengthens key muscle groups including the neck, shoulders, and head. These muscles are crucial for rolling, sitting, and crawling. It also supports digestion by stretching abdominal muscles which can help stimulate the bowel and pass gas.

What if my baby cries or hates tummy time?

It's normal for some babies to take longer to warm up to tummy time. Start with just a few seconds and build up gradually. Try propping them up with a small rolled-up towel under their chest for extra support. Every bit counts, even a few seconds at a time.

How long should tummy time sessions last?

Start with one to two minutes per session and gradually increase. Short, frequent sessions- especially after diaper changes or when your baby wakes from a nap- works best as your baby will be alert and ready to engage.