Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
You can start tummy time from the day you bring your baby home, even before the umbilical cord stump falls off. The American Academy of Pediatrics guide Back to sleep, tummy to play suggests 2 to 3 short sessions a day of 3 to 5 minutes at first, building up to 15 to 30 minutes in total each day by the time your baby is 7 weeks old.
Tummy time is only for when your baby is awake and you are right beside them. Sleep is always on the back, even for short naps.
Why it matters
Babies spend most of their time lying on their backs, which is exactly right for sleep. Time on the tummy while awake lets them practise lifting their head, pushing up on their arms and looking around, which builds the strength they need for rolling and, later, crawling. The AAP also notes that changing your baby's position while they are awake, and limiting long stretches in swings, bouncers and car seats, helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head.
Positions to try in the first weeks
The AAP page on tummy time activities describes a few ways to start:
- On your chest. Lie back with a pillow behind your head and place your baby on your chest or stomach. This works well before the cord stump has healed. Talk to them and make eye contact so they try to lift their head to see you.
- Across your lap. Lay your baby tummy down along your lap, keeping their head in line with their body. Gently moving your legs can help calm them.
- On the floor. A clean floor, a mat or a blanket secured so it does not slide are all fine. Many Indian homes already have a dari or cotton mat on the floor, which works well.
- On their side. If your baby really does not like being on their tummy, the AAP suggests lying them on their side on a blanket, with a rolled towel behind the back for support and the knees bent forward.
Making it easier
- Fit it into the day after a nap, a bath or a nappy change, rather than trying to find a separate time.
- Get down on the floor at your baby's eye level, or put a toy just out of reach to encourage them to lift up and reach.
- A play mat or play gym gives them something to look at, but your face is just as interesting to a newborn.
- Dress them in a simple onesie, or just a nappy if the room is warm, so their arms can move freely.
- Older brothers and sisters can lie down and play with the baby, as long as an adult is watching.
Many babies protest at first. That is common, and the AAP says most come to enjoy it. A minute of tummy time followed by a cuddle still counts. Keep sessions short and try again later rather than letting your baby get very upset.
Safety
- Stay with your baby the whole time. The AAP is clear that supervision is what prevents suffocation.
- Use a firm surface, not a soft bed, sofa or pillow.
- If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, move them to their cot or bassinet and put them down on their back.
- If your baby was born early, has reflux or has other medical needs, ask your paediatrician before starting, as the AAP notes some babies need special consideration.
When to talk to your doctor
Ask your paediatrician at your baby's next check up if you notice a flat spot on the head that is not improving with changes of position, or if you are worried about how your baby moves or holds their head.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
