When to Start Tummy Time (and How to Make It Fun)
The most-skipped milestone activity, simplified
4 min read
Start from day one
You can begin tummy time as early as the first days home, in short 1-3 minute bursts right after a nappy change or bath — while baby is calm but not sleepy.
Why it matters
Tummy time builds the neck, shoulder and core strength needed for rolling, sitting and crawling. It also helps prevent flat spots on the head (positional plagiocephaly) from too much time on the back.
Make it enjoyable, not a chore
Get down on the floor at baby’s eye level, use a high-contrast toy or a mirror, or drape tummy time over your chest while you recline — skin-to-skin tummy time counts too, and babies often tolerate it longer this way.
Building up the minutes
Aim for a cumulative 15-30 minutes a day by 3 months, spread across several short sessions rather than one long, protesting stretch.
“A few enjoyable minutes, several times a day, beats one long tummy-time battle — consistency wins over duration.”
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