The Benefits of Tummy Time for Babies

What is Tummy Time?

Tummy time is when your baby lies on their stomach on a flat surface, or on your chest, while awake and supervised. It sounds simple because it is. But those few minutes a day do more for your baby's development than almost any other activity in the first year.

If you're a new parent, you've probably heard about it from your pediatrician, your mother-in-law, and every parenting blog on the internet. And you probably have questions. Is it safe? Does my baby actually need it? Will they be able to breathe?

The short answer: yes, they need it. Here's what it does.

Benefits of Tummy Time

1. Prevents flat spots

Babies who spend most of their time on their backs can develop flat spots on the back of their skull, a condition called plagiocephaly. Tummy time gives them a different position where they can move their head freely, helping the skull round out naturally.

2. Builds strength and endurance

Newborns don't use their core, back, shoulders, neck, and arm muscles much when lying on their backs or being held. When they lift their head during tummy time to look around, that's the beginning of motor development. Those muscles are the foundation for everything that comes next.

3. Sets the stage for crawling, sitting, and walking

When tummy time becomes a daily habit and your baby goes from one minute to five, then ten, it builds the strength they'll need for more advanced movement. Crawling, sitting up, pulling to stand. It all starts here.

4. Supports cognitive and sensory development

Being on their belly gives your baby a completely different view of the room. They notice textures under their hands, follow sounds when you talk or shake a rattle, track objects with their eyes. All of this builds cognitive and sensory connections that matter long-term.

5. Helps prevent torticollis

Torticollis, or twisted neck, sometimes develops from a baby's position in the womb or after a difficult birth. According to KidsHealth, most babies don't feel pain from it, and simple position changes and stretching, including tummy time, can help correct it at home.

6. Develops hand-eye coordination

When babies lie on their stomachs and reach for toys, track objects, or try to grasp what they see, they're building the coordination between their hands and eyes that will serve them for years.

If your baby doesn't take to tummy time right away, that's normal. Many babies resist it at first. Start with short sessions on your chest and work up gradually. Being persistent, gently, pays off.

Dressing them in something comfortable helps, too. A soft cotton romper that doesn't bunch or restrict movement makes the whole experience easier for both of you.

Note: Tummy time should always be supervised and done while your baby is awake. Doctors recommend babies always sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS.

For more on building a daily rhythm with your baby, our guide to bedtime routines covers how to structure the other end of the day.