General information, not medical advice. Always follow your own doctor or health worker.
Babies sleep on their backs, so they need time on their tummies while awake to build strong neck, shoulder and arm muscles.
Start with a few minutes a few times a day soon after birth, on a firm surface, and build up gradually. Lying on your chest counts too!
Key points
- Only when awake and supervised
- Start short, build up
- Get down to your baby’s level and talk
- Stop when your baby is tired or upset
When to get help: Talk to your doctor if your baby always turns their head one way or has a flat spot developing on the head.
Sources
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Expert body · 2023
Supervised tummy time while awake, starting soon after birth, helps babies build neck, shoulder and arm strength.
Limits: Always supervised and only while the baby is awake.
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play.
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FAQ
When should I get help?
Talk to your doctor if your baby always turns their head one way or has a flat spot developing on the head.