Tummy time gets mentioned at every well visit for good reason — it's the foundation for nearly every early motor milestone. It's also the part of the day many babies protest loudest. Here's why it matters and how to make it work without tears (theirs or yours).
Why tummy time matters
Time spent on the tummy while awake builds the head, neck, shoulder, and core strength behind rolling, sitting, and crawling. It also takes pressure off the back of the head, helping prevent the flat spots (plagiocephaly) that come from too much time on the back.
How much tummy time?
Start from day one with just a minute or two at a time, several times a day, and build up as your baby tolerates it — many guidelines suggest working toward roughly an hour total across the day by around 3–4 months. Short, frequent sessions beat one long one. (Tummy time is always awake and supervised; babies still sleep on their backs.)
Tips when your baby hates it
- Start small — even 1–2 minutes counts — and go more often.
- Get down at eye level, talk, sing, and use a mirror or toys.
- Try tummy time on your chest while you recline.
- Use a rolled towel under the chest for a little support.
- Pick happy times — after a nap and a diaper change, not when hungry or tired.
If your baby strongly resists turning their head one way during tummy time, or always tilts to one side, mention it to your pediatrician — it can be a sign of torticollis that benefits from PT.
Tummy time a constant battle, or baby favoring one side? We can help.
How physical therapy helps
If tummy time is a struggle or your baby is behind on early milestones, a pediatric physical therapist can pinpoint why and coach you through positions and play that build strength comfortably. PT is a new service at MTG and we're accepting referrals (required from your child's primary care provider, faxed to 901-589-9001).