Tummy Time

Why Is Tummy Time Important?

Tummy time is an important activity for a growing baby. It involves placing your baby on their tummy while awake and supervised, helping them build the strength needed for future milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking.

It is recommended from birth as part of healthy development.

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Time?

Tummy time can help your baby:

  • Develop head and neck control

  • Strengthen shoulder and trunk muscles

  • Learn to roll, sit, and crawl

  • Improve balance and coordination

  • Reduce the risk of flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)

  • Explore and interact with their environment

  • and so much more

How Much Tummy Time Does My Baby Need?

The Australian Government recommends gradually building up to at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day by 3 months of age. This can be broken into short sessions and incorporated into everyday routines.

Remember, tummy time does not need to happen all at once. A few minutes at a time is a great place to start.

My Baby Hates Tummy Time. What Can I Do?

Many babies initially find tummy time challenging because they are working against gravity.

Some ways to make tummy time easier include:

  • Tummy time on a parent's chest

  • Tummy time across your lap, wedge or Swiss Ball

  • Using a rolled towel under the chest

  • Getting down on the floor face-to-face with your baby

  • Using mirrors, toys, or singing to encourage engagement

  • Frequent short sessions throughout the day

When Should I Seek Advice?

It may be worth seeking a developmental assessment if your baby:

  • Consistently dislikes tummy time

  • Struggles to lift their head by around 3 months

  • Shows a strong preference for one side

  • Has a flat area developing on their head

  • Is delayed in rolling or other motor milestones

At Babies on the Move, we provide home-based developmental assessments and physiotherapy to support babies with tummy time difficulties, poor head control, torticollis, plagiocephaly, and developmental concerns.

Helpful Resources

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network – Baby Development Milestones
A trusted NSW Health resource outlining developmental milestones and movement skills during infancy.

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-health-hub/growth-and-development/babies/milestones

Raising Children Network – Tummy Time
Practical tips, videos, and age-specific advice for introducing tummy time.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/play-learning/play-ideas/tummy-time

Every little bit of tummy time counts—small moments throughout the day can make a big difference to your baby's development.

References

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Physical Activity Recommendations for Babies and Baby Development Milestones.

Raising Children Network. Tummy Time for Babies.