“Tummy time” may sound simple, but it plays a crucial role in your baby’s development during the first months of life. This supervised, awake time spent on their stomach helps build the strength and coordination babies need for milestones.

Here, Jill Kollmann, nursery nurse at Riverside Healthcare, discusses why tummy time matters, how to make it enjoyable for your baby, and tips for fitting it into your everyday schedule.

What Is Tummy Time, Exactly?

Tummy time refers to placing a baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. It’s essential for building neck, shoulder, arm, and core strength—skills that support key milestones like lifting their head, pushing up, rolling over, sitting, and crawling. Tummy time also helps prevent flat spots from developing on the back of the baby’s head.

Per Kollmann, this strategy can be started right away post birth. “You can start it right away when you go home. Honestly, it can just be short sessions of maybe two or three minutes, several times a day. It doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out thing,” she states. “If you think about it with a newborn baby, they don't really have much control over themselves. They're probably not going to tolerate it very long at all. As the baby gets older, you can do it for more extended sessions at a time, at least fifteen to thirty minutes of tummy time during the day.”

Tummy-Time Tips

Tummy time doesn’t have to be a rigid or formal activity—it can be simple, enjoyable bonding time between a baby and their caregiver. In the early days, tummy time can be as easy as placing the baby on your chest while you recline and interact with them. As long as the baby is awake, supervised, and lying on their stomach, they’re working on strengthening key muscles.

To make tummy time more comfortable, it helps to choose a moment when the baby is rested and not hungry—like after a diaper change or nap. You can also support them with a small blanket or a Boppy pillow under the chest. When doing tummy time on the floor, always use a flat, firm surface free of choking hazards, and never leave the baby unattended or place them tummy-down while asleep, as it's unsafe.

“It's important to share all those guidelines with grandparents and friends who might be involved in doing tummy time with the baby, too. Because it's our collective goal to keep the baby safe,” advises Kollmann.

Who You Can Turn to for Help—Anytime

Ultimately, Kollmann wants parents to not stress about how their babies are managing tummy time. More than that, she wants parents and caregivers to know they have support in their healthcare team.

“Don't put too much pressure on yourself. This doesn't have to be a big thing. It’s is a fun thing that's helping your baby to grow,” she assures. “Above all, if any parent is really concerned about something, they should always be talking with their pediatrician. They're always there to help. If there is anything that's not progressing the way it should, providers can help to intervene when necessary. We really are all a team in helping to keep your baby healthy, growing, happy and safe.”

For more information about resources riverside has to offer to expecting and new parents click here.