Tummy Time: Why it matters and how to make it less awkward

Tummy time isn’t always a hit, and that’s okay. Here’s why it matters and how to make it more enjoyable for everyone…

You’ve probably heard the phrase “tummy time” – most likely from your midwife, health visitor, or at baby groups. But what is it exactly? And why is it important?

Babies have lots of growing and developing to do. Tummy time means giving your baby a small amount of supervised time lying on their tummy while they are awake – never when asleep, as this can be dangerous.

Tummy time is great for developing your baby’s neck, shoulder, and back strength – all essential for hitting developmental milestones like sitting, rolling, and crawling. It can also help prevent flat spots forming on the back of your baby’s head.

When to start
You can start from birth, but for newborns it’s often easiest to begin by placing your baby on your chest, on their tummy, rather than directly on the floor.

As they get older, you can move them onto a flat, safe surface like the floor and gradually build up the amount of time they spend on their tummy.

How long should I do tummy time for?
Many babies don’t like tummy time when they’re first introduced to it.

The sensation of lying on their tummy can feel unfamiliar, which may cause them to put their head down or become upset.

Don’t worry – this is completely normal. To begin with, try tummy time for just a few minutes at a time, a couple of times a day. As your baby gets more used to this position, you can gradually increase the length of each session.

As a rule of thumb, aim to build up to around 20–30 minutes spread across the day by the time your baby reaches 3–4 months.

How can I make it less awkward?

The good news is there are lots of ways to make tummy time fun for your baby – and for you.

Start by getting into a routine. A good time for tummy time is after a nappy change, when your baby is awake and content. Make sure your baby is wearing soft, comfortable nappies, like Pura’s, that offer a secure fit to prevent leaks while they’re wiggling, rolling, and practising pushing up.

Always supervise your baby during tummy time. Once they’re around three months old, you can roll up a thin towel or muslin cloth and place it under their chest and arms for a little extra support.

Make tummy time engaging by placing toys in front of them within their eyeline and interacting with them. You can also lie on the floor next to them, talk, sing, and play to keep them interested.

Tummy time doesn’t always have to happen on the floor either. Carrying your baby tummy-down across your forearm (often called the “tiger in the tree” hold) or laying them across your lap can give them a similar experience while feeling a bit more secure.

It can also help to follow your baby’s lead. Some babies prefer shorter, more frequent bursts rather than one longer session. That still counts. A few minutes here and there throughout the day quickly adds up and can feel much more manageable for both of you.

And remember – every baby is different. Some take to tummy time straight away, while others need a little more patience and encouragement. What matters most is consistency, not perfection.

The bottom line
Tummy time is a simple but powerful way to support your baby’s physical development. It helps build the strength and coordination they need for those exciting milestones ahead.

It might feel a bit awkward at first, and it’s not unusual for babies to protest, but with a gentle, playful approach, it often becomes easier over time. Keep it short, keep it positive, and don’t be afraid to adapt it to what works best for you and your baby.

Before you know it, those wobbly little head lifts will turn into confident pushes, rolls, and eventually, their very first crawl.