The importance of tummy time

If your baby isn't a fan of tummy time yet, you're in good company. Most babies protest it at first, and most parents wonder if they're doing it right. Tummy time is simply supervised playtime on the stomach, and it's one of the easiest ways to support your baby's development, even in small doses.

When should you start tummy time?

You can start from day one. The earlier your baby gets used to being on their tummy, the sooner it starts to feel familiar rather than strange. In the beginning, a few minutes at a time is enough. Some fussiness is completely normal here, it doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong, and it tends to ease as your baby gets stronger and more used to the position.

Why does tummy time matter?

Since the 1990s, doctors have recommended back sleeping to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), a recommendation that's been linked to a real drop in cases. One side effect is that babies now spend far more time on their backs overall, including while awake, which means the stomach position feels less familiar to them than it once did.

That's exactly why supervised tummy time matters: it gives your baby a safe way to build the neck, shoulder, and back strength they'll rely on for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Supervised tummy time doesn't carry the same risks as back sleeping is designed to prevent, it's simply awake, active, watched-over time.

What if my baby cries during tummy time?

It's one of the most common tummy time questions, and a completely normal stage. Crying is often just your baby's way of saying "this is unfamiliar," not a sign of distress you need to fix. You don't need to force through it. Instead, follow your baby's cues: keep sessions short, stay close, and build up the time gradually as they get more comfortable.

A few things that tend to help:

• Get down on the floor at eye level with your baby, so they have a face to focus on

• Try tummy time on your own chest first, before moving to the floor

• Keep sessions short and frequent rather than long and infrequent, a few minutes several times a day adds up

• Use a favorite toy, mirror, or high-contrast object just out of reach to hold their interest

You'll find more ideas in our post on making tummy time more enjoyable.

Making space for tummy time

You don't need special equipment to get started with tummy time. A firm, flat surface and a few minutes of your attention is enough. Some parents find a dedicated play surface, like the Najell SleepCarrier folded out as a playmat, gives tummy time a consistent, cozy spot to return to each day. Especially in the early weeks. It's entirely optional, but a familiar space can make the routine easier to stick with.