Tummy Time: Why It’s Crucial For Development

Tummy time is one of the simplest and most impactful things you can do for your baby from the very beginning. A lot of parents hear about it, but don’t always realize how important it truly is for development. When your baby is on their stomach, they are working hard to build strength in their neck, shoulders, back, and core. These muscles are essential for every major milestone ahead, rolling, sitting up, reaching, crawling, and eventually standing and walking. Tummy time really is your baby’s first workout.

I love starting tummy time immediately. It doesn’t have to be on the floor at first. It can simply mean placing your baby on your chest while you recline. That counts! As they grow, you can transition to a playmat, blanket on the floor, a tummy time pillow, or even across your lap. Anywhere safe, flat, and supervised works.

A good rule of thumb is short sessions multiple times throughout the day. For the first month, a few minutes here and there totaling about 10–20 minutes a day is perfect. By 3 months, aim for 20–30 minutes a day. By 6 months, one hour or more daily (broken up) is ideal. Babies often won’t love tummy time at first and that’s normal. You can make it easier by adding toys, high contrast cards, or a mirror in front of them. Get down on the floor so they can see your face. Sing to them. Talk to them. Your interaction helps keep them engaged and happy.

Safety always comes first. Make sure tummy time is done on a firm, safe surface and never leave the baby unattended. Also try to avoid tummy time immediately after a feeding because baby can feel uncomfortable or spit up more easily.

If a baby doesn’t experience enough tummy time, it can lead to delays in motor development, weak neck and core strength, and even contribute to flat head syndrome. All of these are preventable with consistent, daily practice. Those few minutes every day truly make a difference in your baby’s strength, posture, and overall developmental progress.

At the end of the day, tummy time is a small investment with massive developmental returns. It supports brain and body growth, builds foundational strength, and sets your baby up for success with future milestones. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it only requires consistency. Your baby may not love it at first, but over time they almost always get stronger and more comfortable. So begin early, keep it fun, and make it part of your daily routine. Your baby’s future milestones will thank you.