Here’s Why Your Newborn Needs Tummy Time

Tummy time, recommended by the AAP from the first week, helps build essential muscles and coordination for milestones like rolling, crawling, and walking.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that full-term infants should begin supervised tummy time within their first week. Tummy time isn’t just a milestone—it’s an essential activity that helps build the muscles and coordination your baby needs for rolling, crawling, and walking.

For newborns, tummy time can be brief—just 1 to 2 minutes a few times a day. Should your infant begin to cry, it's perfectly acceptable to pause and attempt again at a later time.

Tips for Newborn Tummy Time

1. Add high-contrast toys to spark curiosity

Place toys with high-contrast designs at your baby’s eye level. At this stage, your newborn will likely rest their head to one side or lift it slightly during tummy time. The bold visuals will encourage exploration and engagement.

Baby laying on The Play Gym looking at Black & White Cards inside the Standing Card Holder from The Tumama

2. Use gentle sensory play to encourage movement

While your baby’s startle reflex is still strong, opt for quiet sensory toys. For example, gently shake a high-contrast rattle near your baby’s ear while they’re on their tummy. This may encourage them to lift and turn their head toward the sound.

Baby doing tummy time and playing with black and white sensory toys

3. Keep sessions engaging with novel playthings

If your baby seems to lose interest, try introducing a new toy. A fresh distraction, such as a different texture or sound, can motivate your baby to stay on their tummy a bit longer.

Baby doing tummy time and playing with black and white soft book sensory toy

More Strategies to Make Tummy Time Enjoyable

Roll into tummy time with support: Slowly roll your baby onto their tummy with their arms tucked under their shoulders for added comfort.
Recreate womb-like positions: Newborns naturally prefer to keep their head to one side, mimicking their prenatal posture.
Alternate head positions: Regularly change your baby’s head position to the other side. This helps build neck strength and prevents flat spots.
Encourage lifting with visual aids: As your baby grows stronger, place high-contrast cards directly in front of them to encourage chin-lifting and focus.
Chest-to-chest bonding: Lie on your back and place your baby belly-down on your chest. Speak softly to encourage them to lift their head and look at you.
Belly-on-thigh time: Lay your baby across your thighs and rub their back while showing them a high-contrast card. Slowly move the card upward to encourage head movement.
Try the “football hold”: Carry your baby belly-down along your forearm for a different form of tummy time.

When to Take a Break

It’s normal for newborns to resist tummy time at first. If your baby becomes fussy, pause and try again later. Babies who start tummy time early tend to adapt more easily as they grow stronger.

Why Tummy Time Matters

Tummy time isn’t just a fun activity—it’s a vital part of your baby’s development. It strengthens the muscles needed for rolling, crawling, and more, laying the foundation for future milestones. With consistency, patience, and engaging play, tummy time can become a positive experience for you and your baby.

For additional professional guidance and suggestions, delve into Tumama's Tummy Time FAQs and uncover our top picks of tummy time toys crafted to aid your child's growth.