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tummy time tips for newborns

by William Samuels

this is general information, not medical advice. talk to your GP or child health nurse if you have concerns about your baby's development.

why tummy time matters

since the "back to sleep" campaign, babies spend a lot of time on their backs. tummy time is the counterbalance — it's one of the most important things you can do for your baby's physical development.

  • ●strengthens neck, shoulder, and arm muscles
  • ●prevents flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly)
  • ●builds core strength needed for rolling, crawling, and sitting
  • ●helps relieve gas and improve digestion

when to start

  • day 1— you can start from birth. lying on your chest while you recline counts as tummy time!
  • 0-6 weeks— start with 1-2 minutes at a time, several times a day
  • 2 months— build up to 15-30 minutes total per day
  • 3-4 months— aim for about 1 hour total per day

tummy time by age

newborn (0-6 weeks)

  • • on your chest is perfect
  • • 1-2 minutes at a time
  • • after every nappy change is an easy routine

6 weeks - 3 months

  • • move to a floor mat
  • • 3-5 minute sessions
  • • use toys to encourage head lifting

3-4 months

  • • longer sessions
  • • propping up on forearms
  • • reaching for toys

4-6 months

  • • pushing up on hands
  • • pivoting and rotating
  • • preparing to roll

baby hates tummy time — what to do

most babies protest tummy time at first. that's completely normal. here are ways to make it easier:

1.try after a nappy change, not after a feed (a full tummy on the floor is uncomfortable)
2.get on the floor with them — face to face contact makes a huge difference
3.use a mirror — babies love looking at faces, including their own
4.roll a small towel under their chest for support
5.try tummy time on your lap instead of the floor
6.carry baby tummy-down (the football hold) — it counts!
7.keep sessions short — 1-2 minutes is fine if that's all they'll tolerate

tummy time and flat head prevention

positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) is increasingly common because babies spend more time on their backs. supervised tummy time is the single best way to prevent it.

  • • alternate which side baby turns their head when sleeping
  • • vary the side you hold and carry them on
  • • limit time in bouncers, capsules, and car seats when not travelling
  • • supervised tummy time throughout the day is the best prevention

if you notice a flat spot developing, talk to your GP or child health nurse early.

related guides

baby milestones month by month

what to expect from 3 months to 5 years.

baby colic — what it is and what helps

symptoms, treatments, and when to see a doctor.

this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you have concerns about your baby's development, consult your GP or child health nurse.