Tummy Time - Tops Tips for parents

By Dr Lin Day

2011 (Updated July 2024)

Tummy time is an essential aspect of development from birth. It promotes:

• Healthy development of the central nervous system and brain.
• Strong neck, back and upper body muscles.
• Balance, coordination, stability and postural skills.
• Flat hand development, which increases precision finger and thumb movements.
• Rolling over.
• Visual development.
• Crawling - an essential developmental milestone not to be missed!

If your baby finds being on his tummy physically uncomfortable, introduce tummy time gradually two or three times a day for a few minutes. It will eventually become part of your baby’s daily routine and he will learn, play, and practise essential head control movements in this position. Make sure your baby is always safe and attended.

How to make tummy time fun:

1. Keep your baby company on the floor. Coo, sing or make funny sounds to encourage him to lift his head.
2. Roll up a towel and place it under your baby’s chest. Extend your baby’s arms forwards over the towel. This supported position allows your baby to lift his head and look around, which improves focusing ability and strengthens neck muscles.
3. Place your baby on his back. Slowly pull your baby up to a sitting position (hold your baby under his arms). Hold him there for a few seconds and then ease him back down again.
4. Place a safety mirror or favourite toy in front of your baby and draw his attention to it. The object will encourage your baby to lift his head to get a better look.
5. Shake a rattle to one side of your baby to encourage him to turn towards the sound.
6. Encourage creeping movements by placing interesting toys out of reach.
7. Place a ball in front of your baby and within easy reach. As soon as he touches the ball, it will roll away. Your baby will either ‘swim’ or on his tummy or lift himself up on his forearms in an attempt to reach it.
8. Lie on your back and put your baby on your tummy or chest. Say your baby’s name to encourage him to raise his head to get a better look at you.
9. Place your baby on his tummy across one arm. Your baby’s head will rest in the crook of your arm, but his legs will dangle free. Rock your baby in this position.
10. Place your baby across your legs and pat his back. Patting will encourage your baby to lift his head and straighten his legs.
11. Place your baby on your lap facing your knees. Draw up your knees so that he can see what is going on around him. He will probably love the new view!
12. Put your baby on the edge of the bed (always with adult supervision) and sit on the floor with your face next to his. From this position, you can interact and play together.
13. Put your baby on his tummy over an inflated beach or gym ball and hold him firmly while you gently rock the ball back and forth. Your baby will learn to shift his body weight, which improves balance and coordination.
14. Roll a ball over your baby’s back, legs, and arms. It’s a great way to stimulate his skin and relieve tension.
15. Exercise or massage your baby while he lies on his tummy.
16. When your baby can sit up unaided, place an interesting toy in front of him. He may end up on his tummy when he tries to grab it. In this position, he may make crawling movements, which is good for his brain development
17. Avoid putting your baby in a recliner or restraining device unless absolutely necessary. Your baby needs to be able to move and coordinate his movements without restriction.
18. Spending time with your baby and giving plenty of praise and encouragement will soon make tummy time a pleasurable habit.

Tummy time leads on to crawling. Crawling fires groups of neurons (brain cells) in different parts of the brain responsible for vision, sensory perception and thinking. It also activates eye-teaming, a crucial skill in learning to read.

Crawling is a key part of your baby’s physical and intellectual development. It only takes a few minutes of daily tummy time to start seeing results.

Babies who spend most of their waking hours on their backs may experience delays in developmental milestones. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, please see your GP.

Further reading

Day, L. (2008) In praise of tummy time. Early Years Educator 10 (1): 36- 38.