Tummy Time

Paediatric Osteopathy
Written By Michelle Sherriff

Tummy time involves placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake. It’s important for your baby because it helps build strength through the upper body, shoulders and neck. It also helps your baby develop head control. 

Babies spend a lot of time sleeping on their back to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Tummy time helps prevent areas of flatness on the back of the head (positional plagiocephaly) related to this sleeping position 

This position also promotes motor skills and helps your baby reach developmental milestones such as sitting up, rolling over, crawling, standing and walking. 

When to start 

Tummy time can be started safely from birth for 1-2 minutes in the first few weeks and gradually building up to 10-15 minutes a day by approximately 4 months of age. 

Start with laying your baby across your lap on their tummy.  As your baby gets stronger, tummy time can move to a blanket or playmat on the floor. 

How to do it

  • Your baby should be happy and alert for tummy time. After a nappy change or nap is recommended. 

  • Put some age-appropriate, safe toys close to your baby.  Move the toys in front of your baby’s face to encourage head lift and rotation 

  • Lie down next to your baby on the floor, turn pages in picture books to develop visual strength 

  • Place a non-breakable mirror in front of your baby so they can see their reflection. 

  • Make it safe, fun and interesting. Sing to your baby during tummy time. 

  • It doesn’t have to be inside. Take a rug outdoors on a nice day for a change of scenery. 

How often: 

Set a goal of two to three times a day.

What to do if your baby dislikes tummy time 

Babies with big heads or were born prematurely can find tummy time difficult and may need more time to build their strength up.  Babies who experience reflux/silent reflux generally dislike tummy time. For those babies, avoid it straight after they have fed as it may cause vomiting or discomfort. Wait until they have been burped, had their nappy changed and are reasonably content before placing them in this position.

Try a different approach for babies who dislike tummy time.

  • Chest to chest with the parent seated in a chair

  • Chest to chest on the floor: try laying down on your back and placing your baby on your chest for a few minutes 

  • Over your lap, parent seated on a chair or on the floor 

  • Over your arm, parent seated 

  • Over a rolled towel, place the towel under the baby’s chest with their arms forward 

  • Over a gym ball (with support from the parent) 

  • Always supervise your baby during tummy time. As your baby develops you’ll need to keep the area clear and safe.  

See your osteopath

If your baby is experiencing any of the following issues:

Michelle Sherriff
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