Tummy time

The short definition

Tummy time is time bub spends lying on their front while awake and watched. It builds the strength they need to lift their head, roll and crawl.

What it actually means

It starts the day bub is born, and it happens often through the day while they are awake and not too tired or hungry.

At the beginning a minute or two is the whole session. By 2 to 3 months most babies manage 10 to 15 minutes and can lift their head and look around.

For a baby who is not moving around yet, the daily goal is at least 30 minutes of tummy time, spread through the day. Short goes, often, add up to it.

A rolled towel or cloth nappy under the armpits and chest gives extra support. Take the towel out before bub goes on their back to sleep.

Never leave bub alone or unsupervised on their tummy. It is dangerous if they fall asleep or their airway gets covered.

Where Dadda will hear it

From the child health nurse, usually at the first check, and usually in the same sentence as "how is it going?".

Not to be confused with

Sleeping on their front. Tummy time is awake time, with someone watching. Sleep is always on the back.

Also look at

• The full item: play mat
• Is this normal at this age?