When to Start Tummy Time and How to Make It Fun
Gentle guidance for strong beginnings
Introduction
You’ve just brought your little bundle of joy home, and between the cuddles and constant feedings, someone mentions “tummy time.” You nod, but inside you’re wondering: What is tummy time? When do I even start? And how do I get my baby to enjoy it instead of screaming the house down?
If that sounds like you, mama breathe easy. You’re not alone.
Tummy time is one of the simplest, most important, and surprisingly fun developmental steps you can start early. In this post, we’ll walk through when to start tummy time, how often to do it, and the best part 12 gentle and creative ways to make tummy time fun for both you and baby.
Whether you’re a first-time mom or just need a fresh take, this guide has your back (and baby’s belly!).
What Is Tummy Time and Why Is It Important?
Tummy time is simply the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. This gentle activity helps:
- Strengthen neck, shoulder, and arm muscles
- Prevent flat spots on the back of the head (positional plagiocephaly)
- Promote motor skills like rolling over, crawling, and sitting up
- Support healthy brain development through visual and sensory exploration
In short? Tummy time builds the foundation for all the exciting milestones to come.
When to Start Tummy Time
According to pediatricians and child development experts, you can start tummy time from day one — or at least as soon as you’re both home from the hospital and settled.
Yes, even newborns benefit from short, gentle tummy sessions!
A Simple Timeline:
| Baby’s Age | Recommended Tummy Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 0–1 week | 1–2 minutes, 2–3 times a day |
| 1–2 weeks | 3–5 minutes, 3 times a day |
| 1 month | Up to 10 minutes a day total |
| 2–3 months | 20–30 minutes a day total |
| 3–4+ months | 30+ minutes daily |
✅ Always supervise tummy time and make sure baby is fully awake and on a safe, flat surface.
But What If My Baby Hates Tummy Time?
You’re not failing, mama. It’s totally normal for some babies to fuss, cry, or act frustrated in the beginning.
The key? Start small, make it fun, and stay consistent. Even a few minutes at a time a few times a day adds up fast.
Let’s explore how to make tummy time irresistible.
12 Gentle Ways to Make Tummy Time Fun
Here’s how to take the struggle out of tummy time and turn it into bonding, giggles, and growth.
1. Start on Your Chest
Before the play mat, try tummy time with your baby lying on your chest. This skin-to-skin moment makes them feel safe, loved, and engaged — all while building those tiny muscles.
Lie back on the couch or bed, talk to them, and make eye contact. Instant connection.
2. Use a Tummy Time Pillow or Rolled Blanket
Support your baby’s chest with a small nursing pillow or rolled-up towel under the arms. It helps lift them up so they can see more of the world and reduces frustration.
Pro tip: Try this around 1 month when neck muscles are still developing.
3. Mirror, Mirror on the Floor
Babies love faces even their own! Place a baby-safe mirror in front of them during tummy time to spark curiosity.
“Who’s that cutie?” They’ll stay engaged longer just trying to figure it out.
4. Get Down Face-to-Face
Babies are wired to love your face. Lie down in front of them, smile, talk, sing, or play peekaboo. Your presence makes it feel like play, not work.
Bonus: This strengthens your bond and helps them develop early social skills.
5. Incorporate Favorite Toys
Place high-contrast toys, soft rattles, or colorful objects just out of reach. It encourages reaching, grabbing, and visual tracking all part of development.
Change up the toys regularly to keep it fresh!
6. Try Short Bursts After Every Diaper Change
Instead of carving out one big chunk of time, sprinkle tummy time throughout the day. After each diaper change, do 1–2 minutes on the mat.
This makes it a routine and less of a dreaded event.
7. Tummy Time in Your Arms
Don’t underestimate the power of holding baby belly-down across your forearm (like a little airplane). Walk around gently, talk, and let them explore the room from a new angle.
Great option for fussy babies who don’t love the floor yet!
8. Use Music and Gentle Movement
Play soft lullabies or calming tunes during tummy time. Some babies respond better when the environment feels playful and relaxing.
Sway gently, tap a soft rhythm, or even hum. You’re creating a calm sensory experience.
9. Let Siblings Join In
Older brothers or sisters can lie down next to baby and make silly faces, read books, or show toys. Baby will love the attention, and it helps siblings bond too.
Family fun = more cooperation from baby!
10. Tummy Time Outdoors
Change the scenery! A blanket on the grass (supervised, of course) with birds chirping and trees swaying can be incredibly stimulating and relaxing.
Nature helps with sensory development and adds variety to daily routines.
11. Create a Tummy Time Station
Designate a soft, colorful playmat with a few go-to toys, a mirror, and a pillow. This sets the tone that this is the fun zone and gives you consistency.
Keep it in a low-traffic, quiet area free from distractions like TV.
12. Celebrate Small Wins
Praise your baby, clap, smile even if they only last 30 seconds. Your encouragement teaches them that effort is worth celebrating.
Remember: progress over perfection. Every minute counts.
How Often Should You Do Tummy Time?
The goal is to build up to at least 30 minutes a day by 3 months, broken into short, manageable sessions. But even 1–2 minutes per session in the early days is a win.
Be flexible, be patient, and follow your baby’s cues. If they’re fussy, try again later. If they’re alert and happy, extend the session a bit.
Safety Tips for Tummy Time
- Always supervise tummy time — never leave baby unattended
- Only practice while baby is awake (never during or right after sleep)
- Use a firm, flat surface (like a playmat or blanket on the floor)
- Don’t do tummy time right after feeding (wait 20–30 minutes)
- Skip tummy time if baby is sick or fussy — come back later when they’re calm
When Should You Worry About Tummy Time?
If by 3–4 months your baby:
- Hates tummy time consistently
- Doesn’t lift their head at all
- Seems extremely stiff or floppy
- Shows signs of developmental delay
… then it’s worth checking in with your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist. Early intervention is always best, and often just a small tweak in routine or support makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Tummy Time Is a Journey, Not a Race
Tummy time isn’t just about milestones. It’s about creating tiny moments of growth, discovery, and connection.
Some days it’ll be a success. Other days, not so much and that’s okay.
Be gentle with your baby. Be gentle with yourself.
Before you know it, your little one will be rolling, crawling, and conquering the world. And it all started here on the mat, in your arms, with a belly-down snuggle.