Tummy Time: Building Your Baby's Strength
A few minutes of tummy time each day builds the muscles baby needs to crawl, sit, and stand.
Tummy time — placing your awake, supervised baby on their tummy — is essential for building the neck, shoulder, and core strength that leads to rolling, sitting, and crawling.
Why It Matters
Since the Back-to-Sleep recommendation reduced SIDS by over 50%, many babies spend most awake time on their backs. Tummy time counteracts this by building the muscles baby needs to reach every motor milestone.
You can start tummy time from day one, even in the hospital. Begin with 1–2 minute sessions and build up gradually.
Getting Started
Start on your chest
Place newborn face-down on your chest while you recline at 45°. The warmth, heartbeat, and smell motivate baby to lift their head.
Move to a firm flat surface
A blanket on the floor is ideal. Soft surfaces make it harder for baby to push up.
Get down to baby's level
Lie face-to-face in front of baby. Eye contact is the most powerful motivator for head lifting.
Use props if needed
A rolled towel or nursing pillow under baby's chest can help in the early weeks when strength is limited.
Build toward the daily target
By 3 months, aim for 30 minutes total across the day, spread into multiple shorter sessions.
Tummy Time Milestones
When Baby Protests
Never leave baby unattended on their tummy and never let them fall asleep on their tummy during supervised tummy time — always transfer to their back for sleep.
Based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, and CDC. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
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