Tummy time is placing a baby on their tummy while they are awake and supervised. It strengthens the neck, shoulder and back muscles, prepares babies for rolling and crawling, and helps prevent flat spots on the head.
Key takeaways
- The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests starting on the day your baby comes home.
- Begin with 3 to 5 minutes, two or three times a day, building up to 15 to 30 minutes a day by about 7 weeks.
- The World Health Organization recommends at least 30 minutes a day, spread out, for babies who are not yet mobile.
What you can do
- Start with your baby lying tummy-down on your chest.
- Get down at eye level with your baby or use a mirror or toy.
- Try after a nappy change rather than straight after a feed.
Frequently asked questions
Keep sessions short and frequent, and try different positions, such as across your lap.