Tummy time might sound simple, but it plays a big role in your baby’s development. But why is it so important, and how can you make it easier and more enjoyable for both you and your baby?
What Is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is exactly what it sounds like— it is time your baby spends awake and on their belly. It’s essential for developing the muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and trunk, and it also helps lay the foundation for motor milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, and more.
It is recommended by many established pediatricians to start tummy time from day one (as long as the baby is healthy and medically cleared by the health care team) and gradually increase the duration. By around two months, babies should be getting 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time a day (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, n.d.)
Why Is Tummy Time Important?
From an OT perspective, tummy time supports multiple areas of infant development:
🧠 Sensory Integration
Tummy time helps babies process and respond to touch, movement, and pressure. This can help regulate their sensory systems, which is important for feeding, sleep, and emotional regulation.
💪 Motor Development
Pushing up, turning the head, and reaching builds the strength and bilateral coordination needed for gross and fine motor skills. These are the muscles the baby will use for crawling, sitting, and handwriting (eventually!), and self-care tasks like dressing.
🤕 Reduces Flat Head Syndrome
Babies who spend a lot of time on their backs may develop positional plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head). Tummy time gives the head a break and promotes symmetrical skull shaping.
🧩 Visual + Cognitive Development
When babies lift their heads and scan their surroundings, they’re working on visual tracking and focus, which are building blocks for learning.
How Occupational Therapy Supports Tummy Time
If tummy time feels like a struggle, you’re not alone! Some babies dislike it at first—but with the right support, it can become a positive part of your day.
As OTs, we help parents:
- Adapt positioning: Propping baby on your chest, a nursing pillow, or a rolled up towel that can ease the transition.
- Incorporate play: Mirrors, rattles, black-and-white contrast cards, and songs can make tummy time more engaging.
- Understand tolerance: Every baby has a unique sensory threshold. We help build tolerance gradually, based on following the baby’s cues.
- Address barriers: If a baby has torticollis, reflux, or sensory processing differences, OT can offer personalized strategies.
- Educate caregivers: Empowering families with knowledge, confidence, and simple routines can make a significant difference.
Tips to Get Started at Home
Here are a few simple ways to add tummy time into your baby’s day:
✅ Start small – Begin with 1–2 minutes a few times a day
✅ Use your body – Lie back and place baby on your chest
✅ Make it playful – Use toys, songs, or gentle massage
✅ Stay close – Your face is your baby’s favorite toy!
✅ Stay consistent – Aim for a total of 20–30 minutes daily by 3 months
When to Reach Out to Sunny Day Therapy
If tummy time always ends in tears, or if your baby has trouble turning their head, pushing up, or seems delayed in movement milestones, our team can help assess and support motor and sensory development. Sunny Day Therapy’s owner has specialized training including AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics, CPRCS (Clinical Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist), & CIMI-2 (Certified Infant Massage Instructor) to provide a variety of tools to guide and empower your baby’s development. Our occupational therapy team is committed to family education and excellence.
Final Thoughts
Tummy time is more than just a daily exercise—it’s a chance for connection, learning, and supporting your baby’s natural development. At Sunny Day Therapy, we offer guidance and hands-on support to make tummy time easier and more fun for your family.
📩 Contact us today: email kim@beewellot.com to schedule a consultation.
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📚 References
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (n.d.). Tummy time. Safe to Sleep. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/tummy-time
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