Tummy Time Made Easy: Tips to Help Your Baby Love It

Why Tummy Time Matters

If you’ve ever placed your baby on their tummy only to be met with wails and red-faced protest, you’re not alone. Many parents joke that tummy time feels more like torture time. But here’s the truth: tummy time is one of the simplest, most important ways to support your baby’s development.

By spending time on their belly, babies strengthen neck, shoulder, and core muscles—the very foundation for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. It also helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head. The good news? With the right approach, tummy time can go from dreaded to delightful.

How Much Tummy Time Do Babies Need?

• Newborns (0–2 months): Start with just a few minutes, 2–3 times a day.

• 2–4 months: Work up to 20–30 minutes total daily, broken into short sessions.

• 4+ months: Aim for 45–60 minutes spread throughout the day.

Remember: it doesn’t have to be all at once. A few minutes here and there add up.

Tips to Make Tummy Time Enjoyable

1. Start Small and Build Up

Begin with 1–2 minutes at a time, several times a day. Increase as your baby gets stronger and more comfortable.

2. Get Down on Their Level

Lie on the floor face-to-face. Babies love looking at your expressions—it turns tummy time into bonding time.

3. Use Props and Toys

Place a rolled towel under their chest for support, or use a play mat with colorful, high-contrast toys just out of reach to spark interest.

4. Try Chest-to-Chest Tummy Time

Recline on the couch and place your baby on your chest. They’ll still work those neck muscles, but with the comfort of your heartbeat and face nearby.

5. Add Music or Gentle Narration

Sing, talk, or hum. The sound of your voice soothes and encourages them to lift their head to engage.

6. Time It Right

Avoid tummy time when baby is overtired or right after a feeding. Pick calm, alert moments instead.

Common Challenges (and Solutions)

“My baby just cries on their tummy.” Shorten the session and try chest-to-chest or a supported position first. Build tolerance slowly.

“They just put their face down.” Place a small mirror or brightly colored toy nearby to encourage lifting their head.

“I forget to do it.” Link tummy time to daily routines—after a diaper change or before naps.

Clinician’s Note

As both a pediatrician and a parent, I reassure families: tummy time should be gentle, never stressful. Even a few minutes sprinkled throughout the day makes a big difference. If your baby truly hates it, start with alternatives (chest-to-chest, carrying in different positions) and work your way up.

Key Takeaways

• Tummy time builds strength for rolling, sitting, and crawling.

• Start with short, frequent sessions and gradually increase.

• Make it fun with toys, mirrors, songs, and your presence.

• Alternatives like chest-to-chest also count.

• Consistency matters more than perfection.

Final word: Tummy time doesn’t have to be a battle. With creativity and patience, it can become one of your baby’s favorite playtimes—and one of your favorite ways to watch them grow stronger every day.