Tummy time is a crucial activity for babies to stretch their muscles, build strength, develop motor skills, foster sensory exploration, and even aid digestion. That’s why our well-trained teachers place such emphasis on tummy time experiences in our Infant classrooms. Let’s explore what tummy time is and why it’s important, then dive into best practices for doing tummy time with your infant. 

What is Tummy Time?

Tummy time refers to the practice of placing your baby on their stomach for brief periods of time while they are awake and supervised. This position encourages them to lift their head, push up on their arms, and learn to roll over, crawl, explore their surroundings, and eventually walk.

Why is Tummy Time Important?

Tummy time offers a myriad of benefits for your baby’s development:

1. Strengthens Muscles: By lifting their head and pushing up on their arms, babies strengthen their neck, shoulders, arms, and core muscles.
2. Promotes Motor Skills: Tummy time helps babies develop the coordination and strength needed for head control, rolling over, crawling, and eventually sitting up, standing, and walking.
3. Prevents Flat Spots: Spending time on their tummy lessens the chances of developing positional plagiocephaly or “flat head syndrome.” This is when babies’ heads form flat spots from spending too much time on them. Remember, while we don’t want babies spending all their time on their backs, sleeping babies should always be on their back to help reduce the risk of SIDS. 
4. Enhances Sensory Exploration: Being on their tummy allows babies to explore their environment from a different perspective and use their hands to feel the textures surrounding them.

What is the proper way to do tummy time?

Newborns: It is best to begin tummy time as early as possible. You’ll start by placing your baby on their tummy for 3-5 minutes a few times each day. Be sure to lay them on a firm surface such as a play mat or blanket on the floor. Avoid beds or other furniture they could fall off of, as well as pillows or soft bedding which can pose a suffocation risk. Never leave your baby unattended during tummy time. Provide gentle support by placing a rolled-up towel under their chest or use a nursing pillow for added elevation. Some babies dislike tummy time and that’s okay. Allow them to fuss, but be there to comfort them during these brief moments. The earlier you begin and more frequently your baby partakes in tummy time, the easier it will be. 

A great way to ensure your child is receiving adequate amounts of tummy time and strengthen your bond with them is by doing tummy time on you! Lay your child stomach-down on your chest, facing you. Talk or sing to your child and simply enjoy this special time together.

2-4 months: Babies are gaining more head control and may be ready to give up the blanket or towel underneath them. Their vision is improving, so provide them with stimulating materials. In our classrooms, we provide sensory bottles, books with black and white or contrasting colors, mats with various textures, and mirrors to encourage self-discovery. Whenever you can, get down on the floor with your baby! They never get tired of seeing you. By 4 months old, babies should spend 10-15 minutes on their tummies at least three times per day.

4-6 months: Now tummy time is getting fun! During this stage, your baby’s core strength is greatly developing and your baby might start rolling over! You’ll want to provide toys, soft books, and other interactive elements that they can try to grasp, hold, and shake. Our Infant Program teachers can be found having lots of conversations with their students as well as encouraging them to reach for toys and roll over during this tummy time stage. 

6 months and older: Continue increasing the amount of time your baby spends on their tummy, working up to a combined full hour each day. This stage is when babies may begin pushing up on hands and knees and even start crawling. When we see this in our classrooms, our teachers provide encouragement and praise. Additionally, they will often put desired objects a short distance away to try to encourage the child to crawl to it. Once they master this milestone, watch out! They’re on the go!

Bonus Tips:

• If your baby ever falls asleep during tummy time, it is best to turn them over to their back and lay them in their crib.
• Do tummy time during periods of the day when your child seems to be happiest.
• Take tummy time outdoors for a change of scenery. Set up a blanket in the shade and let your baby explore the sights and sounds of nature.
• Include siblings. Ask your older children to talk and play with your baby to keep baby happy and strengthen their bond. 
• As you embark on the tummy time journey with your infant, remember that each baby develops at their own pace. With patience and dedication, tummy time will be a success.

Our engaging Links to Learning Infant teachers work patiently and lovingly with their students to provide the support and encouragement necessary for tummy time success. To learn more about our Infant Program, find a school!