Tummy Time by Age: How to Adapt for Each Developmental Stage

Tummy time is crucial for a baby’s motor development, but as your baby grows, their needs and abilities change. Understanding how to adapt tummy time for different ages ensures your baby gets the most benefit from this activity. In this guide, we’ll break down tummy time recommendations by age, providing tips and milestones for each stage.

Tummy Time Milestone Chart

Newborns (0–1 Month): Gentle Introduction to Tummy Time

• Goal: Introduce tummy time gently and encourage head lifting.

• Duration: 1–2 minutes per session, several times a day.

• Best Practices:

• Start with chest-to-chest tummy time, where your baby rests on your chest while you recline.

• Use a rolled-up towel or nursing pillow under their chest for additional support.

• Keep sessions short and frequent—even just a few seconds counts!

• If your baby resists, try doing tummy time when they are calm and alert.

1–2 Months: Strengthening Neck Muscles with Shorter Sessions

• Goal: Strengthen neck muscles and encourage longer tummy time sessions.

• Duration: 5–10 minutes total per day, divided into multiple sessions.

• Best Practices:

• Start incorporating floor tummy time on a play mat or blanket.

• Engage your baby with a mirror or high-contrast toys placed at eye level.

• If baby gets fussy, try doing tummy time on your lap for comfort.

• Practice gentle head turning by placing a toy on one side to encourage looking both ways.

3–4 Months: Pushing Up and Exploring

• Goal: Improve upper body strength and increase engagement.

• Duration: 20–30 minutes total per day, in multiple sessions.

• Best Practices:

• Your baby should start pushing up on their forearms and lifting their chest.

• Encourage reaching and grasping by placing toys within arm’s reach.

• Introduce a water mat or soft textures to stimulate sensory development.

• Try placing baby over a rolled-up towel to encourage weight-bearing on the arms.

5–6 Months: Rolling, Pivoting, and Weight Shifting

• Goal: Encourage rolling, pivoting, and weight shifting.

• Duration: As much as tolerated, incorporated into playtime.

• Best Practices:

• Encourage pushing up on hands and extended arm support.

• Introduce side-lying play to prepare for rolling.

• Use toys to motivate pivoting and reaching.

• If baby starts rolling, celebrate! This is a sign of strong muscle development.

6+ Months: Preparing for Crawling and Sitting

• Goal: Transitioning to crawling and sitting up.

• Duration: Integrated into daily movement and play.

• Best Practices:

• Your baby may start rocking on hands and knees, an early sign of crawling.

• Encourage tummy time through play with larger toys or obstacle courses.

• Allow more freedom of movement—tummy time should now feel natural as your baby becomes more mobile.

Tummy time evolves as your baby grows, progressing from short, gentle sessions to active playtime. By adapting tummy time to each stage, you’re helping your baby develop the strength and coordination they need for movement milestones like rolling, crawling, and sitting up.

Looking for more tummy time guidance? Check out the rest of our tummy time series:

• The Ultimate Guide to Tummy Time: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Start

• Common Tummy Time Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Tummy Time Activities and Tools to Keep Your Baby Engaged

• The Science Behind Tummy Time: What Experts Say About Infant Development