The Right Time for Tummy Time

This post is brought to you by Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Babies spend a lot of time on their backs every night while sleeping, so it’s important to ensure they get adequate time on their tummy during the day. Tummy time is a critical component to your baby’s development as it helps strengthen muscles, improves coordination and even engages their brain.

It’s natural to lay your baby on his or her back. Your baby is comfortable and it’s the safest position in most scenarios, especially while sleeping. On their backs, babies are at lower risk for suffocation, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths.

“Tummy time strengthens your baby’s upper back, shoulders, and neck” said Paul Cornelissens, PT, a pediatric physical therapist at Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation Services. “It allows the baby’s arms, shoulders, and neck to develop and it functionally lets the baby engage with their environment, caregivers, and with their toys.”

Why Tummy Time Matters

  • Strengthens back and neck muscles
  • Prevents tightness in the hip flexor muscles
  • Develops upper body strength and head control
  • Prepares baby for future milestones, like sitting, scooting, and crawling
  • Helps relieve gas and constipation
  • Good for brain and eye development
  • Tummy time is the key milestone for development

While on his belly, your baby will prop himself up on his elbows, with his forearms for support, and will strengthen his shoulders, which haven’t been used much before. His world will look new to him from this angle, so he’ll start to lift his neck and look around. This helps develop head control and strengthen neck muscles.

“Tummy time is great for building strength in the neck and arms,” said Cynthia Dennis, RN, coordinator of Safe Kids Northeast Florida, led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “It also encourages more exploration of their environment, which engages and helps develop their brain and eyes.”

What if My Baby Hates Tummy Time?

Many babies go along with tummy time, but some babies won’t be thrilled the first time they’re placed on their bellies. Remember, though, that it’s a brand-new position for them and that can be scary.

“Your baby might start crying when you first put them down for tummy time,” said Dennis. “Start with short, three-to-five-minute sessions to make it easier on you and your baby. Eventually, you can start increasing it to 10 or 15 minutes.”

There are plenty of ways to distract your baby during tummy time to make it more enjoyable for your little one. Talking, reading a book, or singing to your baby during tummy time not only engages their brain, but it also strengthens the bond between baby and parent.

Just remember: Even if your baby initially disapproves of tummy time, it’s a critical step on the path to healthy development. Before you know it, they will be rolling over, scooting along, crawling, and toddling — any bit of crying during tummy time will have been worth it.

Read more on tummy time on the Wolfson Children’s Hospital website on the Safe Kids Northeast Florida page.

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