Complete Tummy Time Guide: When to Start Tummy Time and Exercises by Month

What is Tummy Time?

Tummy Time is an essential practice during the first months of life that consists of placing the baby on their tummy while they are awake and under supervision. It can be done on the parent’s chest, on the bed, or on a comfortable surface.

Although it may feel uncomfortable at first, the prone position is key to strengthening the baby’s neck, back, and shoulder muscles, promoting normal motor development, and reducing the risk of cranial deformities such as positional plagiocephaly.

Practicing Tummy Time from the first weeks helps your baby develop head control, body strength, and psychomotor skills, and makes this experience part of their daily routine of play and exploration.

There is no need to worry: the prone position during play is not a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Why is Tummy Time important for babies?

Tummy Time is not just an activity, it is a therapeutic and preventive tool that offers several advantages for a baby’s development:

Strengthens muscles

It helps develop the neck, back, and shoulder muscles, which are essential for milestones such as lifting the head, rolling over, sitting, and crawling.

Prevents cranial deformities

By spending less time on their back, constant pressure on the back of the skull is reduced, which helps prevent flattening.

Improves head control

With regular Tummy Time practice, the baby gains better head control and body stability, allowing more balanced motor development.

Stimulates the senses and cognitive development

When lying on their tummy, the baby can observe their surroundings from a different perspective. This encourages exploration, visual coordination, and interaction with parents.

When to start Tummy Time

It is advisable for the baby to get used to being on their tummy from birth. The earlier they start spending time in this position, the more natural it will feel for them.

For example, if a newborn spends short periods on their parents’ chest while awake, this practice becomes a natural part of their daily routine.

When babies are on their tummy, they learn to turn, roll, crawl, and move across the floor. That is why babies who do not spend time on their tummy tend to develop motor skills later than babies who practice Tummy Time regularly from the first weeks of life.

“The earlier a baby starts spending time on their tummy, the more natural this position will be for them. Therefore, it is recommended to let the baby get used to this position from the start. The baby should begin by spending short periods on their tummy while awake, and little by little it will become a natural part of their daily routine.”

Dra. Anna Öhman PT Specialist in Pediatrics

Baby tummy time by age

How many minutes a day should a baby practice Tummy Time? The answer depends on their age in months:

Tummy Time 0 months: 2 to 3 sessions of 1–2 minutes. Start on your chest or on the changing table. Always with constant supervision.
Tummy Time 1 month: 3 to 5 sessions of 3–5 minutes. Increase the time according to the baby’s tolerance.
Tummy Time 2 months: Up to 15–20 minutes in total. Divide it into several short sessions.
Tummy Time 3 months: 20 to 30 minutes in total. The baby begins to have better head control. Add visual stimulation.
Tummy Time 4 months: Between 30 and 45 minutes in total. Neck control improves. Encourage them with Tummy Time toys.
Tummy Time 5 months: 45 to 60 minutes. The baby can hold their head up well and seeks interaction. Maintain the routine with toys, rollers, or mirrors.

Tummy Time exercises and ideas to entertain your baby

Tummy Time should always be done when the baby is awake and under supervision. Start with short periods, for example a couple of minutes several times a day, and gradually increase as the baby gets used to it.

You can begin by placing the baby on their tummy on your chest while holding them, or on a firm and comfortable surface, always making it part of play so it becomes a positive experience.

Here are some exercise ideas:

Exercise 1

OVER YOUR KNEE WHILE SITTING ON A CHAIR

Burping your baby after feeding is an excellent opportunity to get them used to being on their tummy.

Exercise 2

OVER YOUR KNEE ON THE FLOOR

Tummy Time on the floor in short intervals with the baby over your legs helps them get used to this position.

Exercise 3

TUMMY TIME WITH WATER

Water is an excellent way to help the baby stay on their tummy longer, always under supervision.

Exercise 4

TOGETHER WITH THE PARENTS

Practice Tummy Time with your baby; parents or siblings are always the best support.

Tools to practice Tummy Time with your baby

Does your baby find Tummy Time difficult? Use the right tools, such as a roller or the Mimos® positioning cushion and other brand products, to make the position easier.

Mimos® Play makes Tummy Time easier and helps correct severe deformities with its adjustable side position.

Mimos® Play, your best ally for practicing Tummy Time

Many parents find that Tummy Time is not always easy: the baby may get frustrated, cry, or resist being on their tummy. Fortunately, Mimos® Play is designed precisely to make this process easier, adapting to each baby’s development.

This accessory:

Improves the baby’s posture, placing them in a more comfortable and ergonomic position that supports natural movement
Allows the baby to stay on their tummy for longer, increasing the benefits of Tummy Time
Enhances muscular and sensory development, encouraging the baby to reach new milestones such as rolling, lifting the head, or starting to crawl
Helps correct moderate or severe cranial deformities with its adjustable side position, which relieves pressure on the back of the skull
Adapts to the baby’s growth and strength thanks to its 3 modular pieces, which allow support to be adjusted according to age and developmental stage

With Mimos® Play, your baby is placed safely on their tummy in a posture adapted to their needs. Our product supports them from the first weeks until they can maintain longer tummy positions.