Newborn baby lying on tummy on a soft mat, lifting head during supervised tummy time.

Tummy Time for Newborns: A Complete Guide for Parents (0–3 Months)

By Dr. Deepa Aggarwal | Senior Consultant Pediatrician | MD/DNB Paediatrics & Neonatology (LHMC / AIIMS Delhi), Mayom Hospital, Gurgaon

Introduction

For many new parents, “tummy time” is a term they hear from doctors, books, and parenting blogs but what exactly is it, and why is it so important?

Tummy time simply means placing your newborn on their stomach while they are awake, alert, and supervised. While it may seem simple, tummy time plays a huge role in infant development, motor skills, and preventing common health issues like flat head syndrome.

Let’s break down why tummy time matters, when to start, how long to do it, and simple tips to make it enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Why Tummy Time is Important

  1. Strengthens Muscles: Builds strong shoulder, neck, and back muscles that prepare babies for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking.

  2. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome (Positional Plagiocephaly): Too much time on their back can flatten the back of the head. Tummy time helps prevent this.

  3. Boosts Motor Development: Encourages babies to explore movements and build balance.

  4. Supports Sensory Development: Provides stimulation to the vestibular system (balance) and proprioceptive system (body awareness).

When to Start Tummy Time

👉 If your baby is born full-term and healthy, you can start tummy time as soon as you’re home from the hospital.

  • Newborn tolerance: 1–3 minutes at a time, 2–3 times per day.

  • Goal: Gradually increase the duration as your baby grows stronger.

💡 Remember: Every baby is different patience and consistency are key.

How to Make Tummy Time Fun

1. Use Props:

  • High-contrast toys (black, white, red, yellow): Babies are drawn to these colors.

  • Rolled towel or Boppy pillow: Provides gentle support.

  • Exercise ball: Place baby on tummy and gently rock or bounce, soothing and stimulating.

2. Positioning Tips:

  • On your chest: Lie back and place your baby tummy-down on your chest. Your face is their favorite “toy.”

  • On the floor: Use a blanket or play mat, get down to their level, and engage with eye contact.

  • Short and frequent: Don’t force long sessions. Small, frequent attempts work best.

Signs Your Baby is Ready to Stop

  • Crying or fussiness that doesn’t settle

  • Fatigue or frustration

  • Falling asleep (switch to safe back sleeping position)

👉 Tummy time should always be supervised and done when baby is awake.

Tummy Time FAQs

Q: My baby hates tummy time. What should I do?
A: Start small (30–60 seconds), use your chest, and gradually build up. Sing, talk, or show toys to distract and encourage them.

Q: How long should tummy time last by 3 months?
A: Aim for about 20–30 minutes per day, broken into smaller sessions.

Q: Can tummy time be harmful?
A: Not if it’s supervised and baby is awake. Never leave a newborn unattended on their stomach.

Conclusion

Tummy time is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to support your baby’s growth and development. With patience, props, and play, it can go from a dreaded task to one of your baby’s favorite bonding activities.

Start small, stay consistent, and celebrate every little lift of the head or push of the arms, these are your baby’s milestones in action.

👩‍⚕️ For more guidance, always consult your pediatrician.

slot