Tummy Time: Essential Tips and Benefits for Your Baby

Tummy Time

Tummy Time: Essential Tips and Benefits for Your Baby

As a chiropractor in Manchester and Stockport, I often see parents who are concerned about their baby's development, particularly when it comes to tummy time. If you're wondering how to make tummy time enjoyable and beneficial for your little one, you're in the right place. Let's break it down together!

What is Tummy Time and Why is it Important?

What does tummy time involve?

Tummy time simply means placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. This position helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and back muscles, which are crucial for later milestones like rolling, crawling, and walking.

Interestingly, the "Back to Sleep" campaign in 1992, aimed at reducing SIDS, led to less time spent on the tummy, impacting infant motor development (Marinus, 2020). Babies need a balance—safe sleep on their backs but regular tummy play to develop strength and coordination.

In my clinic, I often tell parents that research has shown tummy time is essential for motor skill development. It promotes weight shifting, rolling, and side-lying movements that are necessary for overall movement progression (Hewitt et al., 2020). Without adequate tummy time, babies may achieve milestones later and have a higher risk of cranial asymmetry and facial deformation, which affects nearly 46% of infants (Hewitt et al., 2020).

What are the developmental milestones associated with tummy time?

Tummy time supports major developmental milestones, such as lifting the head, rolling, sitting, crawling, and standing. According to studies, babies who engage in more than 30 minutes of tummy time per day show significant improvements in motor development (Hewitt et al., 2020). As they practice lifting their head and pushing up with their arms, they build the strength needed for crawling and eventually walking. Around 2-3 months of age, babies typically start to show more control over their head movements. By 4-6 months, many babies can roll over and begin to crawl, skills that are directly influenced by regular tummy time sessions. 

Why is tummy time crucial for infants?

Tummy time promotes muscle strength, coordination, and cognitive engagement. A lack of tummy time is associated with increased cases of plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome or flat spot) and delayed motor development (Marinus, 2020). Moreover, tummy time helps your baby develop the necessary strength in their neck and shoulder muscles, which are vital for upcoming milestones. By laying your baby, you are also providing them with the opportunity to interact with their environment. This playtime fosters cognitive development as they learn to reach for and grasp toys, and helps develop their curiosity and problem-solving skills.

When Should You Start Tummy Time with Your Baby?

At what age should you begin tummy time?

I always tell parents to start tummy time from birth with their newborn with short sessions of 2-3 minutes at a time, several times a day. As the baby gets used to it, by the time your baby reaches 3-4 months, aim for at least 30 minutes daily, spread throughout the day (Hewitt et al., 2020). By 4 months, gradually increase it to 80 minutes a day.

How often should tummy time be done each day?

Experts recommend at least three sessions of tummy time per day. Shorter, frequent sessions work best, especially in the early months (Felzer-Kim et al., 2020).

What signs indicate your baby is ready for tummy time?

• Lifts their head when being held upright

• Shows curiosity about their surroundings

• Attempts to push up when placed on their stomach

• How to Make Tummy Time Enjoyable for Your Baby?

  
  

How to Make Tummy Time Fun and Engaging

What are some fun activities to incorporate during tummy time?

Not all babies love tummy time at first, but here are some ways I recommend to parents to make it more enjoyable:

• Use toys – Place colorful toys or mirrors in front of them.

• Get down to their level – Engage with them face-to-face.

• Try different positions – Lay them on your chest or drape them over your lap.

• Involve siblings – Let older siblings entertain the baby during tummy time.

• Use music and movement – Sing songs, clap, or gently rock them to keep it interactive.

Studies indicate that tummy time lasts longer when parents provide attention and stimulation through preferred objects (Felzer-Kim et al., 2020). 

How can you create a safe and comfortable tummy time environment?

I often recommend that parents of my baby patients start tummy time on an incline rather than going straight to a flat surface. A great way to begin is by reclining back in a chair or on the sofa and placing your baby on your chest. This makes it easier for them to lift their head while still getting the benefits of tummy time. Gradually, as they build strength, you can recline yourself more and more until they are comfortable on a flat surface.

For babies who struggle initially, supporting them under their chest with your hands or a rolled-up towel can make a huge difference. This small adjustment provides extra support and helps them feel more secure. Additionally, I recommend using the Huckleberry app to track tummy time progress and make sure your baby is getting enough daily practice.

Make sure to use a flat, soft surface such as a play mat or carpet. Avoid placing your baby on hard surface in case they topple and hit their face on the floor. 

What toys can help engage your baby during tummy time?

Tummy Time Mirror – Babies love looking at their own reflections, which encourages head lifting and engagement.

Water Mat – A fun, sensory-rich experience that keeps babies entertained while they strengthen their muscles.

Piano Toy – A great way to combine tummy time with auditory stimulation and to learn cause and effect. Also good for fine motor skills.

Activity Ball – A stimulating ball more suitable for babies who are about to crawl.

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Time for Your Baby?

How does tummy time contribute to physical development?

Tummy time helps babies build the muscles needed for future mobility, such as rolling, crawling, and walking. It also reduces the risk of plagiocephaly and strengthens their core and upper body muscles (Hewitt et al., 2020).

What cognitive benefits does tummy time provide?

Tummy time encourages perceptual-motor coordination, visual tracking, and problem-solving. Studies have linked tummy time to improved gross motor skills and spatial awareness (Palmer et al., 2020).

How does tummy time help prevent flat head syndrome?

Prolonged time in a supine position can cause plagiocephaly. Regular tummy time helps distribute pressure evenly across the skull and promotes natural head shaping (Marinus, 2020). The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasises the importance of tummy time as part of a comprehensive approach to infant care. 

What to Do If Your Baby Resists Tummy Time?

What are common reasons babies might dislike tummy time?

Some babies may initially resist tummy time due to discomfort, lack of familiarity, or fatigue. However, gradual exposure and positive reinforcement can help improve their tolerance.

How can you encourage your baby to enjoy tummy time more?

• Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration.

• Use interactive toys and parental engagement.

• Try positioning them on your chest or lap for added comfort.

• Provide a multimodal experience by combining visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation (Palmer et al., 2020).

  
  

Bringing Tummy Time to Manchester

If you’re a parent in Manchester and need extra guidance, I offer in-office demonstrations to help make tummy time easier for you and your baby. Evidence shows that hands-on guidance increases success rates (Felzer-Kim et al., 2020). I also recommend finding local baby groups and support networks to encourage tummy time play in a social setting. Whether you’re a first-time parent or looking for fresh ideas, I’m here to help!

Looking for more ways to support your baby's early development? Check out my Newborn Baby Essentials Checklist Guide for must-have items that make parenting easier.

If you're expecting or planning for another little one, my Chiropractic in Pregnancy Guide explores how chiropractic care can support your pregnancy.

References

1. Marinus, M. (2020). Tummy Time: Importance and Strategies.

   • Emphasizes the impact of the “Back to Sleep” campaign and outlines the biomechanical and developmental rationale for tummy time.

2. Hewitt, L., Kerr, E., Stanley, R. M., & Okely, A. D. (2020). Tummy Time and Infant Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

   • Shows positive associations between tummy time and gross motor development, rolling, crawling, reduced BMI-z, and prevention of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly.

3. Felzer-Kim, I. T., Erickson, K., Adkins, C., & Hauck, J. L. (2020). Wakeful Prone “Tummy Time” During Infancy: How Can We Help Parents?

   • Highlights the importance of caregiver education, parental involvement, and in-office demonstrations for tummy time success.

4. Palmer, C. F., Rindler, D., & Leverone, B. (2020). Moving into Tummy Time, Together: Touch and Transitions Aid Parent Confidence and Infant Development.

   • Discusses the role of parental touch, face-to-face interaction, and sensory integration in improving infant outcomes and caregiver confidence.

5. Mendres-Smith, A. E. Tummy Time Without the Tears: The Impact of Parent Positioning and Play.

   • Explores how play-based and parent-led tummy time improves tolerance and reduces resistance in babies.

6. Russell, D. C. Prone Positioning and Motor Development in the First 6 Weeks of Life.

   • South African study confirming babies with >30 minutes of tummy time daily show advanced motor development.

7. Hewitt, L., Stanley, R. M., & Okely, A. D. Correlates of Tummy Time in Infants Aged 0–12 Months: A Systematic Review.

   Identifies socioeconomic, parental education, and caregiving factors that influence tummy time engagement and efficacy.

   
   

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Tummy time practices and recommendations may vary for each baby, and individual needs should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult with your pediatrician, chiropractor, or healthcare provider before starting or modifying tummy time routines, especially if your baby has medical conditions or developmental concerns. Do not use this blog to self-diagnose or self-treat any condition. If your baby experiences significant distress, unusual symptoms, or developmental delays, seek professional medical advice immediately.