Tummy Time

Tummy Time: For all bubs from birth

Tummy Time is good for me because… 

• My neck, shoulder, arm and back muscles will get stronger. I use these muscles to move around
• I can see the world from different angles. This helps my brain get strong
• It also prevents me from developing a flat spot on the head

As soon as I am born…

• Watch me have tummy time when I am awake, but not too tired or hungry
• Watch me have tummy time lots of times in the day when I am awake
• Put me on my back to sleep

At the beginning I may be…

• Unsettled
• Just able to stay on my tummy for a minute or two during playtime

Tummy play on the floor

• I like to play on a comfortable firm mattress or bunny rug
• A rolled towel or cloth nappy under my armpits and chest will give me more support (please remove towels before you put me to sleep on my back)
• I can lift my head up more easily if I’m propped on my elbows

Don’t give up trying! I will get better if I practise a few times a day. 

Don’t leave me alone! I love to watch your face, so get down on my level, talk and sing to me or get a toy and play with me.

When I am 2-3 months I can…

• Stay on tummy for 10-15 minutes
• Life my head up and look around

Tummy time will make bubs neck, shoulder and back get stronger

• Tummy time helps to protect bubs head shape
• You can start tummy time from birth
• It’s normal for bub to find tummy time a bit tricky to start with
• You can try the different positions you can see in these photos, bub will get better at it
• Bubs with big heads or were born early can find tummy time tricky too. Encourage bub to keep at it – practice makes perfect!

Alert! 

Never leave me alone or unsupervised on my tummy, as it is dangerous if I fall asleep or get my airways covered.

Parents and carers are often very tired and can fall asleep easily during the day. Make sure I am put in my own safe sleep space if either of us start getting sleepy!

Do you need more advice?

Remember that it is normal for bub to find tummy time more tricky to begin with.

If you are worried about any of these things below, go to the doctor or child and family health:

• Bub isn’t getting any better at tummy time after six to eight weeks of age
• Bub feels very stiff or floppy
• Bub is six weeks old and not making eye contact or focusing on toys
• If bub is not moving both sides of their body the same

Remember:

Supervised tummy time is important to help bub grow strong

Offer supervised tummy time frequently during the day when I am awake, but not too tired or hungry.

• Back to sleep
• Tummy to play
• Sit up to watch the world