3 Tummy Time Activities to Try With Your Baby

Supervised tummy time is important for a baby's physical development. Tummy time also allows your baby to visually explore the environment in a new way. When positioned on their back, they can see only the ceiling and whatever is directly around them. But on their stomach, they use their muscles to lift their head and see the world at eye level, giving them a completely different view of the world—a new perspective!

If your baby doesn't tolerate tummy time—and even if they do—these activities can make it fun:

It's a good idea to begin exposing your baby to tummy time while you're both still in the hospital. The earlier you start, the more likely your baby will accept the stomach as a natural position. In fact, before the umbilical cord has fallen off, you can position your newborn on your stomach or chest while you are awake and in a reclined position on a chair, bed or floor (with a pillow to support your head), tummy to tummy with baby.

Take this perfect opportunity to socialize with your newborn and encourage lots of eye contact. Talk in animated tones and use exaggerated expressions to get them to look at you. It's a special time to bond tummy to tummy.

You can also position your baby tummy down across your lap lengthwise while providing head support. Remember to keep their head aligned with their body. If they fall asleep in that position, just transfer them to the bed (but place them down to sleep on their back). For more stimulation, slowly raise and lower your legs at the same time, then move them slowly from side to side. This motion will likely calm your little one.

Once your baby starts participating in tummy time, be sure to provide supervision. In this world of distractions, your phone will ring or you'll get called to another room. Just remember to stay with your baby to avoid suffocation.

Side lying is a great alternative to tummy time if your baby doesn't tolerate being on their stomach. Place your baby on a blanket on their side; if needed, prop their back against a rolled-up towel for support. If their head needs support, place a small, folded washcloth under their head. Both of baby's arms should be in front of them, and you should bring their legs forward at the hips and bend their knees to make them comfortable.

Don't forget to distract your baby with a fun toy or read them an entertaining book while they're in this position. It is best to set up a regular time for tummy time and side lying, such as after naps, baths or diaper changes. Just be sure to have a plan in place and take care to vary your baby's position every 10 to 15 minutes during playtime.

Strive to expose your baby to a variety of positions throughout the day, including time spent in your arms and on your lap. Remember, babies crave emotional interaction and connection with their parents.

Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Inclined Sleepers & Other Baby Registry Items to Avoid

Tummy Time for a Healthy Baby (NIH)