I still remember the first time someone told me, “Don’t forget tummy time!”
First, I nodded like I totally knew what that meant… then went home and Googled it immediately. Then I pictured my tiny newborn, who felt fragile enough just lying on their back, and thought, You want me to put this squishy little person on their face? On purpose?
When I finally tried it, my baby lasted about 15 seconds before face-planting into the playmat and letting out an angry squeak that said, Absolutely not, mom. I panicked and scooped them up, wondering if I’d done it wrong or if tummy time just wasn’t for us.
If you’re feeling confused, nervous, or guilty because you “haven’t started yet,” you are absolutely not alone. Tummy Time for Newborns sounds simple, but in real life it can feel stressful:
- How early is too early?
- How long should they stay like that?
- What if they cry every time?
- Am I messing up their development if we skip a day?
Take a deep breath, mama. In this guide, we’re going to walk through when to start, how long to do tummy time, and easy ways to make it more fun and less fussy — for both you and your baby. No perfection, no pressure. Just small, doable steps that help your little one grow stronger over time. 💛
In this article : [+]
1. What Is Tummy Time and Why Does It Matter?
Tummy time is simply placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. That’s it. No fancy gear required.
Even though it seems simple, it’s actually a big deal for your baby’s development:
- Strengthens neck and shoulder muscles so they can eventually lift their head, roll, sit, and crawl.
- Helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head from too much time lying on their back.
- Builds core strength (yep, baby planks!) that supports all those big motor milestones later.
- Encourages exploration and play, especially as they learn to push up, look around, and reach for toys.
Think of tummy time as your baby’s first little “workout” — short, gentle, and tailored to their size. They’re not just crying on the mat (even though it feels like that sometimes)… they’re learning how to use their body in a new way.
Mom moment : Once I realized tummy time was basically my baby’s baby-gym session, I stopped feeling so guilty about the short sessions. Even a few minutes of effort was real hard work for that tiny body.
2. When to Start Tummy Time for Newborns
Here’s the part that surprises a lot of moms :
You can start tummy time from day one, as soon as your baby is home and you feel ready.
That doesn’t mean you’re laying them on the floor for long stretches. In the beginning, tummy time can be as simple as :
- Laying baby on your chest while you recline
- Placing baby across your lap for a few minutes
- Doing a short “mini session” on a blanket on the floor
The earlier you gently introduce tummy time, the more normal it feels to your baby — and the less likely they are to protest loudly later.
Important safety note :
- Tummy time is only for when your baby is awake and supervised.
- For sleep, always place baby on their back, in a safe sleep space (crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm, flat surface and no blankets or pillows).
3. How Long and How Often : A Simple Age-by-Age Guide
You’ll hear lots of numbers, but here’s an easy way to think about it:
👉 Start small and build up, little by little. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Newborns (0–2 Months)
At this stage, tummy time is all about short, gentle sessions :
- Aim for 2–3 sessions a day
- Each session can be just 3–5 minutes, or until baby gets fussy
- If they only manage 30 seconds at first, that’s okay — you can try again later
These tiny “mini-workouts” add up. One minute here, two minutes there… by the end of the day, they’ve done more than you think.
Mom note: With my newborn, I started with one minute of tummy time on my chest after a nap. That was it. Slowly, we worked up to using a playmat on the floor, and she tolerated it more each week.
2–3 Months
Around this time, babies usually start getting a bit stronger and more alert.
- Try to build up to 15–30 minutes total per day, broken into multiple sessions.
- Your baby may begin lifting their head for longer, turning side to side, and even trying to push up a little.
Around 3 Months and Beyond
Many pediatric guidelines suggest aiming for around 60 minutes of tummy time per day by about 3 months, spread over lots of little sessions.
By 4–6 months, tummy time starts blending into regular floor play as baby learns to roll, pivot, and reach. It becomes less of a “scheduled activity” and more of normal playtime.
Again, these are goals, not strict rules. Every baby is different. Some tolerate tummy time happily; others need lots of short attempts and extra encouragement.
4. Easy Tummy Time Positions (Not Just the Floor!)
If you imagine tummy time as only “baby on a mat,” it can feel intimidating — especially when your newborn looks so small. Good news: there are several gentle ways to do tummy time that don’t involve the floor at all (at least not at first).
1. Tummy Time on Your Chest
This is my favorite way to start, especially with a fresh newborn.
- Lie back on the couch or in bed at a slight angle.
- Place your baby on your chest, tummy down, head turned to the side.
- Talk softly, hum, or just gaze at each other.
This counts as tummy time, and it’s also an amazing bonding moment. Your baby works those neck muscles as they lift their head to look at your face.
2. Across Your Lap
- Sit comfortably and place baby face-down across your thighs.
- Support their head and neck as needed.
- Gently rub or pat their back.
This is great for very short sessions or for babies who get overwhelmed on the floor.
3. On a Blanket or Playmat
- Choose a firm, flat surface (like a playmat on the floor).
- Lay baby on their tummy with their arms forward, close to their chest.
- Get down at eye level — your face is the best “toy” at this age.
If your baby struggles to lift their head, try rolling up a small towel and placing it under their chest (from armpit to armpit) to give a little boost.
5. Making Tummy Time Fun (Yes, It Can Be!)
If your baby hates tummy time, it might not be the position itself — they might just be bored or unsure. Let’s make it a little more exciting.
Get Down on Their Level
- Lie on your tummy facing them.
- Smile, talk, sing, or make silly faces.
- Babies are naturally drawn to faces, especially yours.
Use Simple Toys and Props
You don’t need anything fancy. Try :
- A baby-safe mirror propped in front of them so they can see their reflection.
- A high-contrast book or card (black and white patterns are great for newborns).
- A soft crinkle toy within their line of sight.
Keep Sessions Short and Sweet
Instead of one long session, try :
- 1–2 minutes after every diaper change
- A few minutes before or after naps (when they’re rested and content)
Think of tummy time like baby snacks — small, frequent “bites” throughout the day.
Mom note : I used to sing the same silly song only during tummy time. Eventually, when my baby heard it, she knew what was coming — and sometimes even looked almost excited. Almost. 😄
6. What If My Baby Cries During Tummy Time?
First of all, you are not alone. Many babies protest tummy time at first. It’s a new position, and they’re working hard — it’s basically a tiny workout for them.
Here are some gentle ways to help :
- Start on your chest instead of the floor — it feels safer and more familiar.
- Shorten the session — even 30–60 seconds counts.
- Try a different time of day — after a nap and diaper change is often best.
- Use a towel roll under their chest for extra support.
- Stay close and encourage them — your voice is very reassuring.
If your baby starts crying hard and seems really stressed, it’s okay to :
- Pick them up and comfort them.
- Take a little break.
- Try again later.
Tummy time shouldn’t feel like punishment for either of you. Gentle persistence over days and weeks works better than forcing long sessions that end in meltdown.
7. Safety Basics for Tummy Time
A few simple rules make tummy time safer and more comfortable :
- Only while awake and supervised :
- Never leave your baby alone on their tummy.
- Firm, flat surface :
- Use a playmat or blanket on the floor, not a soft couch or pillow.
- No extra pillows under the head:
- A small rolled towel under the chest (from armpit to armpit) is okay during supervised play but not for sleep.
- Back to sleep, tummy to play :
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
If your baby has any special medical needs or you’re unsure about positioning (for example, after a NICU stay or surgery), always check with your pediatrician or physical therapist for tailored guidance.
8. When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Most babies will slowly tolerate tummy time more and more as they grow. But it’s always okay — and smart — to speak up if you’re concerned.
Call or mention tummy time at your next visit if :
- Your baby consistently hates tummy time and never seems to improve, even with tiny sessions.
- By around 3 months, your baby rarely lifts their head during tummy time or seems very floppy or overly stiff.
- You notice a strong preference to look only one way (possible tight neck muscles), or a flat spot forming on one side of the head.
Your pediatrician might :
- Reassure you that your baby is on track,
- Give you extra tummy time ideas tailored to your baby,
- Or recommend a pediatric physical therapist if needed.
There is no shame in getting extra support. Think of it as giving your baby a little bonus coaching.
Gentle Expert Insight (Without the Jargon)
Pediatric and developmental experts generally agree on a few key points about Tummy Time for Newborns :
- Starting tummy time early — even from the first days — helps babies get used to the position.
- Short, frequent sessions are often better tolerated than long, infrequent ones.
- Doing regular tummy time while your baby is awake and supervised supports motor development and helps prevent flat spots on the head.
You don’t need to track every minute perfectly, or hit some magic number every single day. It’s about giving your baby lots of little opportunities to practice, learn, and grow stronger over time.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Mama, if guilt has been creeping in because tummy time isn’t going “perfectly,” it’s okay to let that go.
- Not getting a big smile on the playmat from day one does not mean your baby is behind.
- Forgetting to do tummy time yesterday doesn’t make you a bad mom.
- And you’re definitely not the only one whose baby cries the second they’re placed on their tummy.
What really matters is that you keep gently offering it — a minute here, a few minutes there, always wrapped in love and patience. Your baby doesn’t need a perfect tummy time schedule; they need a mom who shows up, pays attention, and is willing to learn alongside them.
Celebrate the tiny wins :
- That very first little head lift
- The moment they manage to prop on their forearms
- The day they suddenly last five minutes instead of just one
In baby time, those “small” steps are huge milestones.
You’ve got this — one tummy time, one deep breath, one tiny step forward at a time. 💛
Let’s Share Tummy Time Wins (and Fails!)
I’d love to hear from you :
- How is Tummy Time for Newborns going in your home right now?
- Does your baby have a favorite tummy time position or toy?
- Or are you in the “we’re still figuring it out” phase (which is totally okay!)?
Share your experience in the comments — your story might be exactly what another tired mama needs to hear today.
And if you want more gentle, practical tips for newborn care, baby development, and real-life mom moments, join my email list so we can navigate this season together, one tiny milestone at a time.