You’ve just brought your precious newborn home from the hospital—excitement, emotion, and a long list of to-dos fill the air. As the days settle into a routine, you may find yourself recalling all those recommendations you received: safe sleep guidelines, feeding schedules, when to call the nurse—and tummy time.
Tummy time? What exactly is it, and why does it matter so much—especially when your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy it?
Here’s why: tummy time is essential for your baby’s development, beginning in infancy and continuing until they start crawling. It helps your child learn how to lift and hold their body up against gravity—laying the foundation for critical gross motor skills like sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. After all, babies don’t learn to crawl or sit while lying on their backs!
While tummy time may seem challenging at first (yes, it often involves tears and grumbles!), the key is consistency and patience. Start with short, frequent sessions throughout the day—just a few minutes at a time—and gradually increase as your baby’s strength and comfort improve. Get down on the floor with them, introduce fun toys, or let siblings or even a pet provide entertainment. Before long, tummy time might become one of their favorite ways to play.
So, what should you look for as your baby progresses?
Here are some general milestones to guide you:
- 2–3 months: Baby begins lifting their head briefly and shifting from one cheek to the other.
- 4–5 months: You’ll notice improved head control and more interest in looking forward at engaging objects.
- 6 months: Most babies can hold their head steady in various positions.
- 7–8 months: Reaching, pivoting, and pushing up onto forearms while on the tummy begins.
- 9–10 months: Baby starts pushing onto hands and knees and preparing to crawl.
If your baby seems to be struggling to meet these milestones, don’t hesitate to speak with your pediatrician. They may recommend a pediatric physical therapy evaluation to ensure your child receives the support they need. Unified Therapy Services has an expert team of physical therapists that can help your child meet these milestones! Give us a call if you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment- 563-583-4003.
Written by Maggie Liaboe, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy at Unified Therapy Services in Dubuque, IA.