Tummy Time is Play Time – How to make tummy time fun, easy, and a bonding experience for you and your baby

With our family chiropractor and resident baby whisperer, Dr. Shaila Callaghan

As parents, we often focus on the big milestones — sitting, crawling, walking — but it's the little things that help get us there. One of the simplest yet most impactful activities for your baby's growth and development is tummy time. Whether you’re a new parent or looking for a refresher, understanding the benefits of tummy time can help support your baby's healthy development from day one.

What Is Tummy Time?

Tummy time refers to the period when your baby is awake and placed on their stomach while supervised. It’s recommended to start tummy time from the first days after birth — just a few minutes at a time — and gradually increase duration as your baby grows stronger and more comfortable.

For the first two weeks, tummy time should be done on a parent’s or loved one’s chest – not on the floor yet! In this time period, babies are unfolding from their time on the inside and placing them on a flat surface off of you will just not go well – so let’s work with them and give them experience with gravity in a safe and comfortable way! Once they hit that 2-week mark, it’s time to move forward and get them on a firm, flat surface – think: a yoga mat or play mat on the floor. I don’t recommend softer surfaces like a couch or bed. Try to do a push up on your bed – it’s a lot more challenging than on the floor!

6 Key Benefits of Tummy Time

1. Builds Core Strength

Lifting the head, pushing up with the arms, and eventually rolling over — all these movements during tummy time build essential neck, shoulder, arm, and back strength. These muscles lay the groundwork for later milestones like crawling and sitting.

2. Supports Motor Skill Development

Tummy time encourages reaching, kicking, and shifting weight, which help babies develop their gross motor skills (big movements) and coordination. It also boosts fine motor skills by strengthening hand and finger movements as babies begin to explore.

3. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome

Spending too much time on their back can lead to positional plagiocephaly, or flat spots on the head. Tummy time helps distribute pressure evenly across the skull and promotes a naturally rounded head shape.

4. Enhances Sensory Experiences

On their tummy, babies get a new perspective of the world. Tummy time encourages visual tracking, tactile exploration, and spatial awareness — all essential parts of sensory development.

5. Encourages Early Social Interaction

Tummy time is often interactive! Whether you’re making silly faces, talking, or using toys, it creates opportunities for bonding and communication, helping babies develop emotional and social skills.

6. Promotes Confidence and Independence

As your baby learns to lift their head and push up, they begin to discover their own strength and abilities. Tummy time builds physical confidence, which plays a big part in overall development and independence.

Tips for Making Tummy Time Fun

· Have them mostly undressed – just a diaper or a short-sleeved onesie is perfect tummy time attire. If you use cloth diapers, this can limit your baby’s hip mobility on their tummy, so give your baby some “free” time in their birthday suit, or use disposables for at least 1 tummy time session per day.

· Do tummy time in sets and reps, just as you would if you were trying to strengthen your muscles at the gym! Aim for 3-5 sessions per day, and at each session have your baby on their tummy 3-5 times with breaks on their back in between.

· Pay attention to your baby’s cues. When they have had enough (even if it’s just a few seconds), roll them onto their back for a break. This way they will discover that tummy time is a safe and fun place to be, and that their parent or guardian is there to “rescue” them from it when they are ready.

· Forget looking at the clock! Time does not matter – just watch your baby and their cues.

Consistency is Key

Tummy time doesn’t have to be perfect — just consistent. Every moment helps your baby grow stronger, more coordinated, and ready to explore the world. If you have concerns about your baby’s development or they strongly resist tummy time, reach out to us for support. Sometimes the smallest tweak can make the biggest difference!

Dr. Shaila Callaghan, D.C.