If you’ve spent any time reading about baby development, you’ve probably come across the term tummy time. For some new parents, it’s something they feel unsure about, maybe it sounds like just one extra thing to do, or they’ve heard mixed things. But tummy time doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. In fact, when it’s approached in a gentle, playful way, it can be a lovely bonding opportunity that supports your baby’s development and gives you confidence too.
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What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time simply means placing your baby on their front while they’re awake and supervised. It gives your baby the chance to develop strength and coordination in a way that lying on their back doesn’t.
In the early days, tummy time might just look like your baby lying on your chest, lifting their head slightly as they look up at you. As they grow, it becomes a chance for them to wriggle, push up, and begin to explore their world from a different perspective.
The key to tummy time is that it’s done in short, gentle spells that are baby-led and enjoyable. It's not about rigid routines or milestones, it’s about giving your little one opportunities to move, stretch, and grow in their own time.
Why is Tummy Time Important for Babies?
We’re often told that tummy time is good for babies but what’s actually happening when they’re on their front?
A Shift in Sleep Recommendations Changed Everything
Before the 'Back to Sleep' campaign began in the 1990s (which advised placing babies on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS), many parents naturally laid their babies on their tummies during naps and night sleep. This meant babies were spending lots of time on their fronts without parents needing to think about it consciously. Because of that, there wasn’t much focus on doing extra tummy time during the day.
But when the 'Back to Sleep' campaign was introduced, and of course this was for the right safety reasons, there was a dramatic decline in the amount of time babies were spending on their tummies. And this had an unexpected knock-on effect. Babies were suddenly missing out on the natural strengthening and motor development that comes from being on their front.
Since then, research and clinical practice have shown a clear link between reduced tummy time and delays in physical development, poor head control, increased flat head syndrome, and even delayed milestones like crawling.
That’s why tummy time is so important now. We need to actively make space for it, building it into our babies’ routines, not as a chore or “to-do,” but as a natural part of their awake, supervised play. It’s one of the easiest and most valuable things we can do to support their early growth.
The Key Benefits
1. Builds Core and Upper Body Strength
From day one, babies are developing their muscles and movement patterns. Tummy time helps them build strength in their neck, shoulders, arms, and core, all the muscles they’ll need to roll, sit, crawl and eventually walk.
Think of tummy time as the foundation of your baby’s physical development. It’s like giving them the chance to ‘train’ in a way that’s fun and age-appropriate.
2. Supports Motor Skill Development
Lifting their head, turning to look at toys, propping themselves up on their forearms, these are all skills that start to develop during tummy time. They help with hand-eye coordination, head control, and postural stability.
These early movements pave the way for more complex skills later on, like reaching, grasping, crawling and pulling to stand.
3. Helps Prevent Flat Spots on the Head
Since babies are placed on their backs to sleep (which is safest for reducing the risk of SIDS), they can sometimes develop a flat spot on the back of their head, known as positional plagiocephaly. Tummy time gives the back of the head a break from pressure and encourages movement and repositioning.
By mixing up their positions during the day, you help support healthy head shape and encourage your baby to move their head freely.
4. Encourages Visual and Sensory Exploration
Being on their front gives babies a different view of the world. They can see their hands, look at interesting textures, or watch a toy in front of them. This helps stimulate their vision and curiosity.
Tummy time is also a full sensory experience—they feel the floor beneath them, hear your voice encouraging them, and start to notice how their own body moves.
5. Supports Digestion and Reduces Wind
Some babies seem to pass wind or bring up trapped wind more easily after spending time on their front. Tummy time gently massages the digestive system, and the pressure on their tummy can help ease discomfort from trapped wind or colic.
Of course, every baby is different, but this is one benefit that many parents notice quickly.
What are the Benefits of Tummy Time for Parents?
It’s not just your baby who benefits, tummy time is a positive and empowering experience for you as a parent too.
1. Strengthens Your Bond
Tummy time isn’t just about putting your baby on a mat and walking away. It’s about getting down on the floor with them, making eye contact, chatting, singing, or playing. These shared moments are full of connection.
Whether your baby lifts their head to find your face, or you celebrate their first push up with a big cheer, tummy time can become a time you both look forward to.
2. Boosts Your Confidence
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about how to support your baby’s development in the early weeks. Tummy time gives you something simple, safe, and beneficial to do together.
The more you observe your baby’s movements and see them build strength, the more confident you’ll feel in supporting them as they grow.
3. Gives You a Moment of Play and Presence
In the whirlwind of nappy changes, feeds, and interrupted sleep, tummy time offers a chance to slow down and be present. It’s a pause in the day where you and your baby can simply be together, no need for fancy toys or high-energy activities.
Just you, your baby, and a little space to move.
4. Provides Reassurance About Development
By spending time observing your baby during tummy time, you naturally tune in to their progress. You’ll see how their movements change week to week, and that helps you feel more reassured that they’re doing well.
Of course, every baby develops at their own pace, but having regular playtime like this can give you a clearer picture of their progress.
When to Start Tummy Time
You can start tummy time from the very beginning—yes, even with a newborn. In the first few weeks, it might just be a couple of minutes on your chest or across your lap. That absolutely counts.
As your baby grows and gains head control, you can gradually increase tummy time on the floor using a soft mat or blanket. The key is to keep it short, frequent, and baby-led.
Start with a few minutes, two or three times a day. If your baby enjoys it, you can build from there. If they don’t seem keen, that’s okay too—there are ways to make it more enjoyable (more on that below).
What If My Baby Doesn’t Like Tummy Time?
This is a really common concern. Many babies fuss or cry when they’re first placed on their front. It’s a new position, and it can feel like hard work at first.
Here are a few gentle ways to make it easier:
- Use your body: Lie back and place baby on your chest. Talk to them softly and let them lift their head to see your face.
- Try a tummy time roll or cushion: These give a little support under the chest and can help take the pressure off.
- Keep it short: Even 30 seconds counts. Gradually increase as they get stronger.
- Make it fun: Use a mirror, a colourful toy, or your face and voice to keep their interest.
- Be close: Sit or lie at their level, so they feel reassured and connected.
If your baby is really unhappy or you’re not sure what’s normal, don’t be afraid to ask for support. Infant development practitioners, health visitors, and tummy time specialists (like me!) are here to help.
Making Tummy Time a Part of Everyday Life
Tummy time doesn’t need to be something you schedule or tick off. Instead, it can be a natural part of your daily rhythm.
Here are a few moments where tummy time can be easily included:
- After a nappy change (if baby is happy and awake)
- After a feed (once baby’s had time to digest)
- During playtime with older siblings
- While you’re reading a book or singing a rhyme
- As part of your baby’s bedtime wind-down routine
By making it regular and enjoyable, tummy time becomes just another way you connect with your baby.
Final Thoughts
Tummy time isn’t about pressure, perfection, or getting your baby to “perform.” It’s about movement, exploration, and bonding, one wriggle at a time.
For babies, it supports strength, coordination, comfort, and sensory development. For parents, it builds connection, confidence, and moments of real joy. That’s the power of something so simple.
Whether you’re five days into parenting or five months in, tummy time can be adapted to suit your baby’s stage, mood, and needs. So take it slow, make it playful, and trust that these little moments are laying the foundation for big things ahead.