Tummy time means placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. Babies sleep on their backs for safety, so time on the tummy during the day is important for developing the neck, shoulder, back and arm muscles. These muscles later form the base for lifting the head, rolling, sitting and crawling. Tummy time also lowers the risk of a flat spot on the back of the head.
The first days after birth are a fine time to start. In the first weeks, a few short sessions of 1 to 3 minutes a day are enough. As your baby gets used to it, the time grows. The World Health Organization recommends at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread through the day for babies who aren't yet mobile. Short, frequent sessions are easier for most babies than one long one.
Many babies fuss on their tummy at first, and that's normal. Laying your baby on your chest, lying down face to face or placing a colorful toy in front of them makes it easier. If your baby falls asleep, turn them onto their back right away. Waiting a while after a feed instead of starting right away reduces spit-up. Always place your baby on a flat surface, away from soft pillows.
What you can do
- Start and stop the session timer to log tummy time.
- Daily goal by age: from 10 minutes in the first month to 30 minutes at 3 to 6 months.
- A ring chart shows how much is left to reach today's goal.
- Last 7 days bar chart, session count, longest session and streak.
- Log how your baby handled it after each session.
- Shows the motor milestones expected for your baby's age.
How to use it
- When your baby is awake and fed, lay them on their tummy on a flat surface.
- Tap Start Session and stay with your baby.
- When they get fussy, tap End Session and choose how it went.
- Reach the goal with short sessions through the day.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start tummy time with my newborn?
Tummy time can start in the first days after birth, soon after you come home from the hospital. In the first weeks, a few sessions of 1 to 3 minutes a day are enough. Laying your baby tummy-down on your own chest also counts as tummy time. Your baby should be awake and supervised, and turned onto their back right away if they fall asleep.
How much tummy time does a baby need?
The time grows with age. Starting with about 10 minutes a day in total in the first month and building to 30 minutes spread through the day at 3 to 6 months is a good goal. The World Health Organization recommends at least 30 minutes a day for babies who aren't yet mobile. After 6 months, babies roll on their own, so separate sessions are no longer needed.
What if my baby hates tummy time?
Many babies don't like tummy time at first, and that's normal. Keep sessions short and end them before your baby starts crying. Lay your baby on your chest, lie down facing them, or place a mirror or colorful toy in front of them. A small rolled towel under the chest can also help. Try it a while after a feed rather than right after.
What are the benefits of tummy time?
Tummy time strengthens your baby's neck, shoulder, back and arm muscles. This strength is the base for lifting the head, rolling, sitting and crawling. It lowers the risk of a flat spot on the back of the head from always lying on the back. It also gives your baby a new view of the world and supports the development of movement skills.