1. Tummy time is essential for a baby to transition from reflexive movements to intentional control over their own body. In my experience caring for infants through their toddler years, I've seen that this is the best way to build the core strength needed to roll over and push up. It also serves as natural exercise for a baby's developing spine, preparing their body for the structural demands of growing older. 2. Parents should start supervised tummy time as soon as they get home from the hospital and make it a regular part of their newborn's daily routine. When babies start early, they are much more likely to tolerate being on their stomach as they get older and more aware of their surroundings. I recommend doing tummy time three to five times a day on a firm, flat surface, and only when the baby is fully awake. 3. Tummy time is also important because it prevents neck muscles from tightening and the development of Torticollis, where the head tilts to one side. It encourages babies to reach and pivot, which helps develop their vestibular system—the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. Because this position offers a different sensory experience than lying on their back, it helps babies become aware of their own weight and center of gravity. 4. If your baby resists tummy time, try placing a small, rolled-up blanket under their armpits to prop up their chest and take some weight off their upper body. Doing tummy time on an elevated surface like a bed while you sit on the floor can also help your baby feel more connected to you and encourage them to lift their head. Finally, try to end the session before they get too exhausted; associating tummy time with positive interaction rather than a struggle will help them enjoy it more.
Tummy time is essential for newborns because it helps strengthen the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which are critical for developing head control, rolling, sitting, and eventually crawling. Starting tummy time early, even within the first few weeks after birth, helps babies build these muscles gradually while they are awake and supervised. Tummy time also plays an important role in preventing positional plagiocephaly, or flat spots on the back of the head, by encouraging babies to spend time on their stomachs rather than lying exclusively on their backs. For babies who resist tummy time, start with just a few minutes at a time and increase gradually, using engaging toys, mirrors, or gentle encouragement to make the experience more enjoyable. Placing your baby on your chest or lap while on their tummy can also help them feel secure and supported. Consistency is key. Short, frequent sessions throughout the day are more effective than longer, infrequent periods. Always supervise tummy time, ensure the surface is firm and safe, and never place babies on their stomachs while sleeping. With regular practice, tummy time becomes a comfortable and fun part of a baby's daily routine, supporting both physical development and sensory engagement.
Tummy time is important to build the muscles of the neck, shoulder and core that babies need for major motor stages like rolling, sitting and crawling on schedule. This study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32371428/) actually proves this calim, they found that consistent connection between more tummy time in early infancy and faster motor development. You can start as soon as day one, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Of course make sure the baby is supervised at all times, and do it only on a parent's chest or a firm flat surface. Short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes a few times a day are good enough, and as the baby gets stronger, you can work up to 30 total minutes per day by 3 months. Besides muscle strength, tummy time also prevents positional plagiocephaly, which is the skull flattening that happens when babies spend too much time on their backs. It also builds the sensory and spatial awareness that's important for brain development later on. Getting down at eye level with a toy or your face makes the position far more tolerable for resistant babies. Some parents also report to me that placing a small rolled towel under the baby's chest is a game-changer.