Since babies now always sleep on their backs to reduce risk, tummy time during awake hours has become essential to make up for that and build the neck and shoulder strength needed for rolling and crawling later.
How to Start
Begin from the first days with two to three minutes, several times a day, on a flat surface with you right beside them. You can also lay them on your chest while you recline slightly, giving the same benefit plus your warmth close by.
Gradually Increasing Time
Gradually increase duration as your baby grows and muscles strengthen, until you reach fifteen to twenty minutes spread across the day by around three months. It's fine if they cry at first — this is a completely new position for them.
- Pick a time right after a diaper change rather than after a feed, to avoid spit-up.
- Place a colorful toy or mirror in front of them to encourage lifting their head and engaging with the position.
- Never leave your baby on their tummy without direct supervision, and never let them sleep in this position.
- Spread short sessions across the day instead of one long one that might tire them out.
