Many health professionals will mention tummy time when asking about your baby’s development. Tummy time involves placing your baby on their stomach when they are awake. This is very important to help strengthen your baby’s muscles and protect the shape of their head. Show
It is normal for young babies to be unhappy on their tummy as their heads are heavy and tummy time is hard for them. Even though babies may feel uncomfortable initially, it is important to keep trying. Why does my baby need to do tummy time?Placing your baby on their tummy helps them in a number of ways, including:
When can I start tummy time with my baby?Tummy time can be safely started from birth. It has been found that babies who start regular tummy time early like this position more and can manage it for longer periods of time. Try to do tummy time regularly throughout the day and make it a part of your baby’s regular activity. Start with short periods of tummy time (one to two minutes) and slowly increase the time as your baby becomes stronger (aiming for 10 to 15 minutes at least three times a day, by around four months of age). Babies with big heads or those who were born early often find tummy time more difficult and may need more time to improve at it. How can I do tummy time with my baby?There are a number of different
ways to do tummy time with your baby. Do not leave your baby alone or unsupervised during any tummy time positions. These positions may be helpful if your baby does not like being directly on their tummy or has colic or reflux. Please see our Kids Health Info fact sheets on Reflux (GOR) and GORD and
Crying and unsettled babies - colic for more information. Positions for tummy time
Please note: remember to put your baby on their back for sleep safety - never sleep your baby on their tummy or side. What are some tips to help my baby with tummy time?
When to see a doctor?Remember that it is normal for your baby to find tummy time difficult to begin with. If you remain concerned or are worried about any of the following, please seek medical advice from your GP, Maternal and Child Health nurse, paediatrician or a paediatric physiotherapist:
Key Points to Remember
For more information
Common questions our doctors are askedAt what age is it no longer necessary to put my baby on their tummy? We recommend you continue with tummy time until your baby starts to crawl or can get onto and off their tummy themselves. Once your baby is doing this, they will be doing their own tummy time. Remember, it is safe to start tummy time from birth. If my baby has reflux/vomits a lot, should I put them on their tummy? What do I do if my baby dislikes tummy
time? Use some of the tips listed on this page to make tummy time more enjoyable and a little easier for them. The more upright your baby is when they are on their tummy, the easier it will be for them. Remember, every little bit helps and your baby should slowly improve and start to enjoy being on their tummy. If they continue to have difficulties, please talk to your GP, Maternal and Child Health nurse, paediatrician or a paediatric physiotherapist What do I do if my baby is developing a flat head or unusual head shape? Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Physiotherapy Department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers. Developed December 2020 Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au. Can you do tummy time at 3 weeks old?3-Week-Old Baby Schedule
Try not to overthink tummy time. Just place your baby on a nursery rug, or a baby play mat if you have one. If they fuss, you can try again later. In time, most babies end up enjoying tummy time, because it's a chance for them to freely move their bodies and engage with their parents.
How long should a tummy time session be?Start with just a few minutes at a time, a couple times a day. Build up to longer and more frequent sessions. When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 2 to 3 tummy time sessions a day for 3 to 5 minutes at a time. That's a total of about 15 minutes per day.
How much playtime should a 3 week old have?Even young infants just a few days old should get two or three tummy time play sessions per day, each lasting three to five minutes. Playing doesn't have to mean entertaining your baby with toys all day long.
How long should tummy time be for 1 month old?In the first month, aim for 10 minutes of tummy time, 20 minutes in the second month and so on until your baby is six months old and can roll over both ways (though you should still place your baby on her stomach to play after that).
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