Why Babies Need Tummy Time

Tummy time is a simple but important activity where babies lie on their stomachs while awake and supervised. It helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and core muscles, which are essential for rolling, sitting, and crawling. Starting as early as the first week, parents can begin with 2–5 minute sessions, gradually increasing to 30 minutes daily by three months and up to 90 minutes by six months.

Key Benefits:

• Physical Development: Builds muscles for motor milestones like rolling and crawling.
• Brain and Sensory Growth: Promotes spatial awareness and depth perception.
• Prevents Flat Head Syndrome: Reduces pressure on the back of the head.
• Bonding Time: Encourages interaction and emotional connections.

Challenges and Solutions:

• Babies may fuss during tummy time. Start small (1–2 minutes) and use tools like toys, mirrors, or rolled-up towels for support.
• Busy schedules? Incorporate tummy time after diaper changes or naps.

Skipping tummy time can lead to motor delays, weaker neck muscles, and flat head syndrome. Making it a daily routine supports your baby’s overall growth and prepares them for future milestones.

How Tummy Time Helps Baby Development

When your baby spends time on their tummy, they're working on more than just playtime - they're building the foundation for key developmental milestones. This simple activity supports both physical and mental growth, helping your little one thrive.

Building Physical Strength

Tummy time is like a mini workout for your baby. When they lift their head or push up on their arms, they’re strengthening crucial muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and core. These muscles are essential for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking.

"Tummy time helps your baby develop their muscles, bones, and nervous system. They need it to reach lots of motor milestones, like rolling, pulling themselves up, and crawling." - Kim Hrapchak, PT, MSPT, Pediatric Physical Therapist

You can start tummy time as early as one week old with short sessions of 3–5 minutes, a couple of times a day. As your baby grows stronger, you can gradually increase the duration. Research from the World Health Organization highlights that 30 minutes of tummy time daily can boost gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and even social interactions.

Adding toys or a mirror can make tummy time more engaging. These tools encourage your baby to lift their head higher and reach forward, helping develop muscle strength, hand-eye coordination, and visual tracking. But tummy time isn’t just about physical growth - it’s also a chance for your baby’s brain to flourish.

Brain and Social Growth

Tummy time gives your baby a fresh perspective on the world, sparking cognitive development. From this position, they encounter new sights, sounds, and textures, which help build spatial awareness and depth perception - skills they’ll use later in life.

"Tummy time helps babies learn spatial awareness, depth perception, as well as fine and gross skills that lead to handwriting and using utensils." - Any Baby Can

These sensory experiences are crucial for brain development, creating neural connections that support learning and problem-solving. Tummy time also offers a perfect opportunity for bonding. When you get down on their level, make eye contact, and talk to them, you’re not just playing - you’re strengthening emotional connections and communication skills.

"Tummy time is an early chance for interaction and play with your baby, which is a really crucial bonding activity." - Matthew Badgett, MD, Pediatrician

These face-to-face moments help your baby recognize facial expressions and respond to voices, laying the groundwork for social and emotional growth. Plus, tummy time has another important benefit - it helps prevent flat head syndrome.

Preventing Flat Head Syndrome

One practical perk of tummy time is its ability to prevent positional plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, which can happen when babies spend too much time lying on their backs.

"Tummy time is the best way to build those neck and shoulder muscles and improve a newborn's head control." - Colleen Coulter, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign began in the 1990s to reduce SIDS, cases of flat head syndrome have increased. While back sleeping is essential for safety, supervised tummy time helps relieve pressure on the back of the head, promoting a more rounded shape.

"Tummy time helps infants develop their muscle strength equally on all four sides of their bodies." - Kathleen Finnan, PT

Incorporating tummy time into everyday routines - like after diaper changes or naps - can help your baby build strength, improve head shape, and support balanced physical development. It’s a small activity with big benefits.

Problems When Babies Skip Tummy Time

Skipping tummy time can interfere with your baby's development in ways that might not be immediately obvious. While it may not seem like a big deal, this simple activity plays a crucial role in helping babies grow strong and hit important milestones. Let’s break down some of the challenges and offer practical tips for making tummy time more manageable - even for babies who aren’t fans of it.

Development Delays and Health Issues

Studies show that babies who don’t get enough tummy time have a 22% higher risk of gross motor delays. This means they might take longer to learn essential skills like rolling over, sitting up, or crawling. These delays highlight how important tummy time is for supporting well-rounded physical development.

One of the more noticeable effects is positional plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. Since the "Back to Sleep" campaign began in the 1990s to reduce the risk of SIDS, babies have spent more time lying on their backs. While this has been a life-saving practice, it also means that without enough tummy time, babies are more prone to developing flat spots on their heads.

But it’s not just about appearance. Severe cases of plagiocephaly can lead to developmental challenges in areas like cognition, language, and adaptive behaviors. It can also cause physical issues like ear misalignment or forehead bulging, which might impact hearing and vision.

Another concern is weak neck muscles. Without tummy time, babies don’t get the chance to strengthen these muscles, which are essential for head control. This can lead to conditions like torticollis, where tight neck muscles make it hard for babies to turn their heads freely.

Solutions for Fussy Babies

Now that we’ve covered why tummy time is so important, let’s talk about how to make it easier - especially if your baby isn’t a fan. It’s common for babies to resist tummy time, crying or fussing as soon as they’re placed on their stomachs. But don’t worry, there are ways to help them adjust.

"Many babies dislike tummy time, but there are effective strategies to help them adjust and enjoy it." - Dr. Daniel Golshevsky, Pediatrician

Babies often resist tummy time because their muscles are still developing, or they’re simply not used to the position. To ease them into it, start small - just 1-2 minutes at a time - and gradually increase the duration as they get stronger. Timing is key, too. Pick a moment when your baby is awake, alert, and not too hungry or tired.

You can also use support tools to make tummy time more comfortable. For example, place a rolled-up towel under your baby’s chest to help them lift their head more easily. Or, try lying on your back and placing your baby on your chest - this can feel more comforting for them. To make it fun, engage their attention with toys, mirrors, or even your face at their eye level.

"Regular supervised tummy time for play and limited use of supine infant positioning devices can help prevent or lessen the severity of deformational plagiocephaly while promoting developmental gains." - Kristy Wittmeier, PT, PhD, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre

If your baby shows persistent discomfort or struggles to turn their head to one side, it’s worth consulting your pediatrician. Sometimes, conditions like torticollis might require professional help, and a physical therapist can guide you with specific exercises to improve your baby’s comfort and mobility.

The ultimate goal is to work up to 20-30 minutes of tummy time daily by the time your baby is three months old. But remember, every little bit counts. Even short sessions can make a big difference in supporting your baby’s development and preventing potential health issues.

How to Do Tummy Time Right

Now that you know why tummy time matters and how to tackle common challenges, let’s focus on how to make it effective. The trick? Start early, stick with it, and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes stronger and more comfortable.

Tummy Time by Age

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests starting tummy time as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital. For newborns (0–2 months), aim for 2–3 short sessions of 3–5 minutes each, totaling 15–30 minutes a day. Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Cilenti highlights its importance:

"Tummy time is crucial to baby's motor development, as it helps build head, neck and shoulder strength for upcoming milestones, like rolling over, sitting up, crawling and walking."

As your baby grows, you can increase the time:

Age Range	Recommended Tummy Time Duration
Newborns (0–2 months)	2–3 sessions of 3–5 minutes each (total 15–30 minutes by 2 months)
2–3 months	15–30 minutes total per day
3–4 months	20–30 minutes total per day
4–6 months	30–40 minutes total per day
6+ months	60–90 minutes total per day

Timing is just as important as duration. Choose moments when your baby is awake and in a good mood - right after a diaper change or a nap is ideal. Avoid tummy time right after feeding to prevent discomfort or spit-ups.

Once you’ve established a routine, the next step is making tummy time fun and engaging.

Fun Activities and Helpful Tools

Keeping tummy time enjoyable can make all the difference. For starters, try belly-to-belly contact - place your baby on your chest for skin-to-skin time, which can help them get used to the tummy position. Another option is the "baby airplane" hold, where you support your baby across your arm while walking around, giving them a fresh perspective.

You can also use a rolled-up towel or blanket under their chest to make lifting their head easier. Get down on the floor with them - sing, talk, or use colorful toys and rattles to catch their attention. Mirrors are especially captivating since babies love looking at faces and reflections.

As Emily Bankhead, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, from Wee Care Pediatrics, puts it:

"Tummy time is not only the first exercise your baby will ever do, but it also lets your newborn see the world from a new perspective."

To enhance the experience, consider these products:

• Itzy Ritzy Sensory Tummy Time Mirror ($16.99): Offers visual stimulation.
• Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me Tummy Time Wedge ($32.99): Provides physical support.
• Skip Hop Activity Gym ($79.99): Creates a multi-sensory, engaging environment.

While these tools can make tummy time more enjoyable, safety should always come first.

Keeping Tummy Time Safe

Safety is non-negotiable during tummy time. Always supervise your baby and use a clean, flat surface to ensure they stay stable and secure. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, transfer them to their back immediately to follow safe sleep guidelines. Wait at least 30–60 minutes after feeding before starting a session.

Watch for signs that your baby needs a break. If they seem overly fussy or tired, it’s okay to stop. As pediatric physical therapist Kathleen Finnan, PT, explains:

"If you start tummy time early, this should soon become a comfortable position for them."

And remember, every little bit counts. Dr. Cindy Gellner, MD, Pediatrician at University of Utah Health, emphasizes:

"Every bit of tummy time with your baby makes a big difference."

Tummy Time and Long-Term Baby Health

Building a Foundation for Health

Tummy time isn’t just about helping babies lift their heads - it’s the starting point for building strength that supports essential milestones. When babies spend time on their tummies, they’re developing core muscles and coordination that pave the way for sitting, crawling, and eventually walking.

The benefits go well beyond infancy. Colleen Coulter, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, highlights its importance:

"Tummy time is the best way to build those neck and shoulder muscles and improve a newborn's head control."

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests aiming for 90 minutes of tummy time daily by the time your baby reaches four months. This early physical activity sets the stage for long-term health, just as proactive medical decisions can help secure their future well-being.

Americord Registry Stem Cell Services

While tummy time strengthens your baby’s body, stem cell banking provides a safety net for their future health. Americord Registry offers advanced stem cell preservation services, ensuring your newborn’s biological resources are ready for potential medical needs.

We specialize in banking all three valuable birth sources, each rich in different types of powerful stem cells:

• Cord Blood Banking: Preserving hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) used in over 80 FDA-approved treatments for blood disorders and cancers. Our proprietary CryoMaxx™ Processing and 5-compartment storage bag maximize cell yield and flexibility.
• Cord Tissue Banking: Storing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for regenerative medicine research, including potential therapies for neurological disorders and orthopedic injuries.
• Placental Tissue Banking: Preserving valuable cells from the placental tissue, a unique resource with potential benefits for both the baby and the mother.
• Newborn Exosome Banking: Americord is the first private biobank to offer the preservation of exosomes, the microscopic messengers of regenerative medicine, representing the cutting edge of potential future therapies.

By choosing Americord, you are investing in scientific innovation and maximum flexibility for your family’s future health. Pricing is subject to change and may include Annual Fees (in some cases); visit our main pricing page for the most up-to-date information: https://production.americordblood.com/pricing

How Stem Cell Banking Supports Future Health

While tummy time builds physical strength today, stem cell banking opens doors to future medical treatments.

Cord blood stem cells are already FDA-approved to treat over 80 conditions, including blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and certain cancers. Cord tissue contains mesenchymal stem cells, which are being explored for their potential to repair injuries to bones, cartilage, and other tissues. Americord’s exosome preservation takes it a step further, storing cellular messengers that play a role in repair and communication. These tiny components are being studied for their potential to address neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and even age-related diseases.

Getting Started with Tummy Time

Key Tummy Time Benefits

Tummy time plays a critical role in helping babies build strength in their neck, shoulders, back, and core. It also helps reduce the risk of flat head syndrome by encouraging them to move their heads into different positions. As babies lift their heads and look around, they not only strengthen their muscles but also improve their visual tracking abilities and begin exploring their surroundings - important steps for future learning and motor coordination.

"Tummy time is essential for developing the muscles baby needs to reach motor milestones, including rolling, sitting, and crawling." - Pathways.org

With these benefits in mind, let’s look at how you can make tummy time a part of your baby’s daily routine.

Taking Action for Your Baby's Health

Starting tummy time is straightforward and doesn’t require any special tools. Begin with short sessions of 2–5 minutes at a time, gradually working up to 15–30 minutes a day by the time your baby is 2 months old, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Use a firm play mat and always supervise your baby during these sessions.

To keep things interesting, try talking to your baby, using colorful toys, or placing a mirror nearby for them to look at. Ideal moments for tummy time include right after a diaper change or nap when your baby is well-rested and alert.

"Tummy time helps infants develop their muscle strength equally on all four sides of their bodies." - Kathleen Finnan, Pediatric Physical Therapist

FAQs

What can I do if my baby doesn’t like tummy time?

If your baby isn’t thrilled about tummy time, there are easy ways to make it more enjoyable for both of you. Choose a time when your baby is relaxed and happy - right after a diaper change or a nap often works well. Just avoid starting tummy time right after a feeding to keep things comfortable. Begin with short sessions, just a couple of minutes, and gradually increase the time as your baby becomes more at ease.

To keep things interesting, get down on the floor with your baby and make eye contact. Sing, chat, or even use a small mirror to grab their attention. Bright, colorful toys or soft rattles can add a playful element to the experience. The key is to stay patient and consistent as your baby gets used to this important activity!

What are the long-term benefits of tummy time for my baby?

Tummy time is an essential part of your baby's development. It helps strengthen key muscle groups, including the neck, shoulders, back, and core, which are all critical for hitting milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking.

Beyond muscle development, tummy time can help reduce the risk of flat head syndrome and supports healthy sensory and visual growth. As babies spend time on their tummy, they enhance coordination and build the motor skills they’ll rely on as they continue to grow.

How does tummy time help prevent flat head syndrome in babies?

Tummy time plays a key role in preventing flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly). When babies spend extended periods lying on their backs, the repeated pressure on one area of the skull can lead to flattening. Encouraging tummy time helps relieve this pressure while also giving your baby the opportunity to build strength in their neck and shoulder muscles.

Adding tummy time to your baby’s daily routine benefits more than just their head shape - it contributes to their overall physical development. Start with brief sessions lasting just a few minutes, several times a day. As your baby grows stronger and more at ease, you can gradually extend the duration of these sessions.