Tummy time: when, how much, how

Tummy time is the few minutes a baby spends on their front, lifting their head. It strengthens the neck, shoulder and back muscles and lays the groundwork for rolling, crawling and later sitting.

When to start

You can begin in the first weeks, in sessions of a few minutes, awake and supervised. The starting point does not have to be the floor: lying on a semi-reclined parent's chest counts as tummy time and is far less daunting for a newborn.

How much

Guidance suggests around an hour a day by three months, but not in one go. Eight to ten short sessions after nappy changes are far more realistic than a single long stretch.

If they protest

Crying is usually discomfort rather than rejection of the exercise. Check four things: whether it is right after a feed, whether the surface is warm enough, whether there is something to look at at eye level, and whether the session is simply too long.

A crescent tummy time pillow under the chest raises the upper body so lifting the head takes less effort. It also helps if the parent lies down facing the baby: the most interesting thing in the room is a face.

What surface

Firm but not cold is best. A thickly padded play mat or a foldable foam mat works well: solid enough to push against, warm enough to be comfortable.

A soft bed or a duvet is not suitable, because the baby sinks in and pushing up on their arms becomes harder.

What to watch for

By around three months most babies hold their head steadily while propped on their forearms. If that has not developed by four months, or the baby consistently turns their head to one side, raise it with your health visitor or paediatrician.

Tummy time always happens awake and supervised. For sleep, babies go on their back, on a flat firm mattress, with no pillows or soft objects.