Tummy time: what it is, when to start and how to put your baby on their tummy

Tummy time is one of the most repeated recommendations in the first months… and one of the ones that raises the most questions: from when? For how long? What do I do if they cry? In this guide we explain what it is, what it is for and how to do it step by step.

What is tummy time?

It is the time your baby spends lying on their tummy, awake and with an adult in front of them. Because babies always sleep on their back, these moments on their tummy during the day let them work muscles they hardly use in other positions.

What is it for?

• It strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms and back, the foundation for holding up their head, rolling over, sitting and, later on, crawling.
• It helps them discover their body: they push up with their arms, lift their head and start moving on their own.
• It reduces the time they spend lying on the back of their head while they are awake.
• It gives them another way of seeing the world and is a good moment for play and closeness with you.

From what age can you start?

You can start from the first few weeks, with very short sessions. At first, a few minutes several times a day is enough, and these can gradually get longer as your baby gets stronger and enjoys it more.

You do not need to do it all at once: several short sessions spread through the day work better than one long one.

How to do tummy time step by step

• Choose a good moment: when they are awake and calm, for example after a nappy change or a nap. Avoid doing it straight after a feed.
• Start on your chest: with newborns, laying them on their tummy on you while you recline is a very comfortable way to begin.
• Move to the floor, on a firm, clean surface. An anti-slip play mat like ours, made of padded cotton, gives them a comfortable space that stays put.
• Get down to their level: lie in front of them, talk, sing or show them a toy. Your face is their best motivation.
• Vary what they look at: an unbreakable mirror, a colourful toy or a rattle encourages them to lift their head and turn it both ways.

What if they cry or do not like it?

It is very common for babies to protest at first: it is a new effort for them. A few ideas:

• Make it shorter and stop before they get upset. Lots of short sessions are better than one long one with tears.
• Try other positions: on your chest, across your lap or held tummy-down in your arms.
• Always stay with them: if they can see you, they cope better.
• Be patient: with a few days of practice, most babies get used to it.

Safety during tummy time

• Always awake and supervised by an adult. If they fall asleep, put them on their back in their cot.
• For sleep, always on their back: tummy time is only for playtime. We explain how to set up a safe sleep space in co-sleeping: how to do it safely.
• On a firm surface on the floor, never on a bed, sofa or soft or raised surface they could fall from.
• Remove small or loose objects they could put in their mouth.

When to see the paediatrician

If you notice that your baby always turns their head to the same side, finds it very hard to lift it as the months go by or that their head is flattening in one area, mention it to your paediatrician at the next check-up.

Frequently asked questions

How much tummy time does a baby need?

At first, a few minutes several times a day. It gradually gets longer as they tolerate it. What matters is doing it regularly, not doing long sessions.

Can I do tummy time on the bed?

Better not: a soft surface makes it harder for them and they could also fall. The floor, on a firm mat or blanket, is preferable.

Until when should you do tummy time?

Until your baby moves around on their own: once they roll, shuffle or start crawling, they will spend time on their tummy naturally.

In short

Tummy time means short periods on their tummy, awake and supervised, that help your baby strengthen their neck and back and get ready to roll, sit and crawl. Start early, with just a few minutes, on a firm surface and at their level. And remember: tummy for play, back for sleep.