You may have heard of tummy time from your doctor during check-ups or from other moms. Think of this as your friendly guide, written with every busy, sleep-deprived mum in mind.
Below, you will find what tummy time really is, why it matters, and simple ways to make each session feel easier, clamer and more enjoyable for you and your little one.
You may also notice that many in the older generation feel uncomfortable with tummy time. This is normal. It wasn’t commonly practised in their time, so it can look unfamiliar or even worrying. Back then, babies were mostly carried or placed on their backs, so tummy time wasn’t part of daily routines.
Today, we know it helps build strength, coordination and supports healthy milestone development. All through short, supervised moments on their tummy.
What is Tummy Time
Tummy time is putting your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. It is one of the simplest gentlest ways to support your baby’s early growth.
This helps them build the strength they need for milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling later on.
Benefits of Tummy Time
Tummy time helps strengthen your baby’s neck, shoulder and back muscles for rolling and sitting later on. It also supports healthy motor development by giving your little one safe, steady ways to move, explore, and understand
Other benefits of tummy time include:
- Reduced risk of flat head syndrome by taking pressure off the back of the head.
- Better head control as your baby learns to lift and turn their head at their own pace with growing confidence.
- Coordination skills as your baby reaches for toys and shifts their weight during play and small movements.
- Visual development by giving your child a fresh, more engaging different view of their surroundings.
When to Start Tummy Time
You can start tummy time as soon as the baby comes home from the hospital, even if they are only a few days old. You can also begin from birth by lying your baby on your chest.
This skin-on-skin contact not only count as tummy time but also helps with creating a bond between you and the baby as they become accustomed to your scent, voice, and movements.
How to Position Baby for Tummy Time
For newborns, start with a simple position by placing your baby on your chest while you lean back slightly. This gentle cuddle gives them a cosy space to practise lifting their head while feeling calm, supported, and close to you.
After a few days, try placing your baby on a playmat or using a rolled towel under their chest for added comfort. It is normal for babies to fuss in this position, so keep sessions short and the mood light with a bit of play.
Simple games like peekaboo or counting their tiny fingers and toes can help them stay curious long enough to lift their head again.
Babies are naturally drawn to colours and sounds, so add small toys or a soft rattle within their line of sight. A little wiggle to reach a toy is a good sign they are building strength and learning how their body works.
Always check the area around your baby before starting. Keep sharp or loose objects out of reach so your little one can explore comfortably and safely.
How Long Should Tummy Time Be
Your baby should be doing tummy time several times with gradual increments of sessions as they grow older.
| Age Range | Duration per session | Times per day |
| Newborn (0-1 month) | 3-5 minutes | 2-3 times |
| 2 months | 5-10 minutes | 3-4 times |
| 3-4 months | 15-20 minutes | 3-4 times |
| 4-7 months | 15-30 minutes | 3-4 times |
By around 7 months, your baby will begin moving more confidently through rolling, pushing up or even starting to crawl. At this stage, you can ease off formal tummy time sessions.
Once babies are exploring on their own, they naturally spend plenty of time strengthening their muscles through everyday play, which works just as well.
Use MomGenie to Log Tummy Time
Keeping track of tummy time can help you understand your baby’s progress and establish a routine. MomGenie makes this easier by giving you a simple way to log each session and monitor improvements over time.
You can record how long your baby stays on their tummy and note what positions they enjoy most. This small habit helps you stay consistent and gives you reassurance that your little one is developing well.
