Tummy Time Tips: Because Laying Around is Harder Than It Looks

Happy Tummy Time Day!

Did you know that, thanks to Pathways.org, October 2nd is officially Tummy Time Day? This day was created to raise awareness about how crucial tummy time is for your child’s development. My guess is the pediatric professionals behind Pathways have faced the same challenge I have: tummy time can feel like an uphill battle for many parents. You are not alone if it is something you have dreaded or even avoided. And just when you have established a good routine and are ready to make it a priority, your little one down right refuses to cooperate! But don’t worry—tummy time doesn’t have to be painful! Here are my top tips to help your little one conquer tummy time with ease:

Family tummy time with L on his 1st day home, after 3 weeks in the NICU. Still a month prior to his due date!

1. Start early.

Tummy time can begin on day one, even if you had a preemie! Take advantage of your newborn being naturally sleepy and less likely to resist. They don’t need to be super active yet— at this point they are just getting used to having room to stretch out and learning to turn their head to clear their airway.

The football hold (above) is done with baby side lying on the OPPOSITE side that they prefer to rotate their head toward

2. Address head positioning.

If you notice your baby prefers turning their head to one side or has flattening on one side of their head, they likely have some muscle tightness in their neck. This tightness can limit their tolerance for tummy time because the muscles responsible for turning the head also help bring the chin to the chest. Therefore, when your baby lifts their head during tummy time, they are actively stretching these tight muscles, which makes the activity more challenging. To better prepare your baby, try incorporating some gentle neck stretches beforehand. My go-to recommendations include the football hold and guppy pose stretches.

3. Change the angle.

Flat ground is the toughest position for tummy time because of gravity. If your baby is struggling, try angling their body by rolling a towel or blanket under their chest, using a pillow or wedge (we love the TumTum!), positioning them over your legs, or even laying them on an exercise ball.

4. Add movement.

Babies love motion! Try sitting in a rocking chair or swaying side to side while holding your baby on their stomach. If you’re using a ball, gently roll it front to back or side to side while baby is on top.

5. Provide visual stimulation.

Keep your baby engaged by giving them something fun to look at—black and white flashcards (the easiest to see as the eyes are still developing), a mirror, a favorite toy, or best of all—you!

6. Break it up.

You’re aiming for at least 30 minutes of tummy time a day, but that doesn’t have to happen all at once! Small increments work just as well. Whether it’s 15 minutes twice a day or 5 minutes six times a day, it all adds up. I recommend using the Tummy Timer in the Pathways.org app to easily track their progress.

7. Seek professional guidance if needed.

If your little one isn’t tolerating tummy time, even with modifications, there may be an underlying reason. Muscle tightness or other issues can sometimes develop from something as simple as their positioning in utero, and it’s NOT a reflection on you as a parent. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician or a therapist for extra support—they can help you get your baby on track.

We hope these tips make tummy time a little less stressful and help your little one get the most out of this important activity. Remember, every minute counts!

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