Tummy Time is one of baby’s first exercises! It is a crucial exercise for baby’s motor, visual, and sensory development. Baby can begin Tummy Time as a newborn. This can start on your body while you lay down. This can be done in bed, on a couch or in the bathtub! Wearing your baby in an infant carrier or ring sling also counts as tummy time! We’re encouraging baby to use their core strength and rotate their head from side to side. Once baby gets a little bigger and stronger, tummy time can be done on a firm, flat surface. Start with small increments of a few minutes at a time, several times a day. Eventually, try to do longer Tummy Time sessions, eventually building up to a full hour.
- Newborn-2 months old – spend a minimum of 30 minutes per day during awake periods, this can be broken up into multiple sessions instead of doing it all at once
- 2-4 months old – spend a minimum of 45-90 minutes per day during awake periods
- 4-6 months old – spend a minimum of 1-2 hours per day during awake periods
- 6-8 months old – the majority of waking hours will be spent in tummy time or sitting/learning to sit. Babies should learn to sit before they learn to stand.