As your baby grows, you probably keep an eye on important milestones like their weight and length. But you might not think much about how they’re building strength. Your baby needs strong muscles, though.
If your baby doesn’t spend time on their belly, they won’t have strong neck, shoulder, arm and core muscles. “Building strength in these muscles is important because they prepare your baby for moving around on their belly and for crawling,” said Jennifer Norman, MD, a pediatrician with Banner Health.
Tummy time can help. “Tummy time is placing a baby on their belly while they are awake and supervised to help develop stronger muscles,” Dr. Norman said.
During tummy time, babies lift their heads and push up with their arms. It helps them reach milestones like rolling over, sitting up and crawling.
It also gives them a break from lying on their back, so it can help keep flat spots from forming on the back of the head.
“Tummy time helps them explore their environment in different ways as well,” Dr. Norman said. During tummy time, your baby may feel the floor, see new things and reach for toys. They can explore their surroundings from a new perspective, which promotes learning and curiosity.
When to start tummy time
“You can start tummy time as soon as your baby is born on a parent’s chest,” Dr. Norman said. Your baby’s health care provider may have recommendations. Here are some general guidelines:
- Newborns: Start with one to two minutes, two to three times a day.
- 1 to 2 months: Five minutes, two to three times a day.
- 3 to 4 months: Ten to 15 minutes, a few times a day.
- Older than 4 months: Up to 30 minutes, a few times a day.
Tummy time tips
“Place your infant on a clean floor or carpet or on a blanket that doesn’t move around,” Dr. Norman said. A firm surface provides support for your baby’s body. You can also put your baby on your chest or across your lap. Use a rolled-up towel under their chest for support if needed.
Stay close and watch your baby, so you can respond quickly if they need help or are uncomfortable. Never do tummy time on a couch or bed, since your baby could suffocate or fall.
Get down on the floor and talk to and play with your baby during tummy time. “Putting toys just outside their reach encourages them to reach and grasp,” Dr. Norman said. Babies like looking at other babies, so you may want to do tummy time in front of a mirror. You can also read a story.
What if your baby isn’t a fan of tummy time?
“At first, your baby may not like being in this position,” Dr. Norman said. It’s normal for your baby to cry or get fussy. Babies are used to spending most of their time on their backs or with their faces up, like while sleeping and in their car seats.
Plus, it takes muscles and strength to lift the head in this position, and that’s hard work for a baby. “Try it for short periods and gradually increase. It can help if you talk or sing to your baby," Dr. Norman said.
If your baby seems tired or frustrated, gently pick them up and try again later. Try different times of the day when your baby is well-rested and alert.
How to manage tummy time if your baby has reflux
The pressure on the belly can be uncomfortable for babies with reflux. Try shorter tummy time sessions more often. It may help to use a small, rolled-up towel to raise your baby’s chest slightly. Your baby’s health care provider can give you more detailed advice based on your baby’s needs.
What to do if your baby falls asleep during tummy time
“Make sure to transfer them to their bed on their back,” Dr. Norman said. Tummy time is only safe to do when your baby is awake and closely supervised. Babies should always sleep on their backs due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation.
What to do if your baby seems behind
Babies develop at different speeds. You can track your child’s progress with the Milestone Tracker App from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Make sure to talk to your baby’s provider if you have any concerns with development,” Dr. Norman said. Tell the provider if your baby is:
- Not meeting motor milestones.
- Not able to lift their head after 12 weeks.
- Unusually floppy or stiff.
- Not moving their arms and legs equally.
A provider can review your baby’s development and suggest activities that can help them progress. If needed, early intervention can often address developmental delays. Be sure to seek advice if you have concerns about your baby’s milestones.
The bottom line
Tummy time can help your baby build the strength they need to reach, grasp and crawl and can give your baby a new point of view for exploring the world. You can start right after birth and build up to longer sessions more often as your baby gets older and stronger.
For more tips on helping your baby build the strength and skills they need, reach out to an expert at Banner Health.
