Tummy time

Tummy time is simply supervised time your baby spends on their front while awake. It’s one of the easiest and most valuable things you can do for their development, and you can start from the very early days — a little and often is all it takes.

Why it matters. Because babies sleep on their backs (which is vital for safe sleep), they need time on their tummies while awake to balance it out. Tummy time builds the neck, shoulder, arm and back muscles your baby needs to lift their head, roll, sit and eventually crawl. It also helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head from too much time lying on their back.

When and how to start. You can begin in the first weeks with just a minute or two at a time, a few times a day, gradually building up as your baby grows and enjoys it more. A lovely way to start with a newborn is chest-to-chest: lie back yourself and rest your baby on your chest, so they lift their head to see your face.

Make it comfortable. Try tummy time on a firm, flat surface like a play mat on the floor, when your baby is awake, alert and not too soon after a feed (to avoid spit-ups). Get down at their level, talk, sing, and use a toy or an unbreakable mirror to encourage them to look up and around. Your face is their favourite thing to focus on.

If your baby hates it at first. Many babies protest tummy time early on — it’s hard work for them. Keep sessions short and frequent rather than long, try it when they’re in a good mood, and build up slowly. Chest-to-chest, or laying them along your forearm, can be gentler ways in. It usually gets easier as they get stronger.

Keep it safe. Tummy time is always awake and supervised — never let your baby sleep on their tummy, and always put them on their back to sleep. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, move them to their safe sleep space on their back. Tummy time and safe sleep are two separate things, and both matter.

A little every day. Aim to weave short bursts into your normal routine — after a nappy change, during play, as part of your day. Consistency matters more than long stretches, and a few minutes several times a day adds up beautifully.

If you ever have concerns about your baby’s head shape, neck movement, or their reaching the usual milestones, your child health nurse or GP is the person to talk to — they can check things and reassure you or refer on if needed. Otherwise, get down on the mat, pull some funny faces, and enjoy watching your baby get stronger week by week.