• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Million Dollar Mama logo
  • About
    • Contact
  • Health
  • Personal Finance
  • Side Hustles
  • Ebooks
  • Recommendations

How Much Tummy Time Should Your Baby Have? The Ultimate Tummy Time Guide

By Ana on July 12, 2018 · Updated January 18, 2021
Family

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

5.8K shares
  • Share334
  • Twitter
When to start tummy time and how to get your baby to actually enjoy it! #whentostarttummytime #tummytime #tummytimetips

Ahhh, tummy time. We’ve all heard of it, and we all know that most babies hate it. And after  listening to your sweet baby grizzling and crying out of frustration, you’ll probably find yourself wonder how much tummy time should your baby do every day?

Is tummy time essential, or is it just something that we’ve been told to do for years and now it’s just the “done thing?”

baby doing tummy time

Why Tummy Time Is Essential For Babies

As frustrating as it may be, tummy time is essential for infant development.

Babies spend a lot of time on their back and while this is the AAP recommended sleeping position to help reduce the risk of SIDS, if a baby spends too much time laying on their back they can end up with a delay in motor development and a flat head, which is known as plagiocephaly.

When a baby spends time on their tummy, they’re able to practice things like lifting their head against the force of gravity, bearing weight on their arms, move from side to side and gain strength in the muscles in their upper body.

All of this movement helps to prepare your baby for physical milestones like rolling over, sitting, and walking (and even getting your baby ready to swim someday!)

You may also want to learn how to help your baby sleep through the night (may…ahem). Getting your baby on a schedule is paramount to doing this!

When Should A Baby Start Tummy Time?

When I first bought my little one home from the hospital, I remember thinking that tummy time was something that we wouldn’t need to start until he was at least a few months old.

However, when I brought this up to my son’s pediatrician, I learned that the American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends that tummy time start as soon as a baby arrives home from the hospital.

How Much Tummy Time Should Your Baby Do Every Day?

The amount of tummy time a baby should be doing varies depending on age.

Newborns should be doing 3-5 minutes of tummy tie 2-3 times per day

Once your baby starts to show a liking for tummy time, you can increase the amount until he or she starts to show signs that they’ve had enough

By the time baby is 3-4 months old, you should be aiming for at least 20-30 minutes of tummy time every day. Bear in mind, this is the minimum recommended amount – try to spend as much waking time as possible doing tummy time.

baby laying on floor with a hat on

Is there Too Much Tummy Time?

First of all – most babies hate tummy time. So for most parents, the concern is getting enough tummy time, not too much.

However, according to the National Institutes of Health, a good number to shoot for newborns and very young infants is 2-3 tummy sessions per day of 3-5 minutes each.

As your baby strengthens and starts to enjoy tummy time, you can increase the length of the session.

Safety Tips

While tummy time is essential for babies, it’s important that you follow some important tummy time safety guidelines.

  • Only do tummy time when your baby is awake
  • Make sure baby is always supervised during tummy time
  • Lay baby down on a soft, flat but firm surface, away from potential hazards like staircases

Help! My Baby Hates Tummy Time!

What should you do if your baby hates tummy time?

The first thing I want to do is let you know that you’re definitely not alone. My son absolutely hated tummy time at first, and I wasn’t sure how I was ever going to get him to do more than 10 seconds.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make tummy time more enjoyable for your baby.

The first thing I recommend is to get down at eye level with your baby and and engage with him or her. This will not only make tummy time more interesting for your baby, it helps to increase bonding.

Next, I recommend purchasing a tummy time mat. One of my favorite features of a tummy time mat is the small prop pillow which helps to provide some extra support for baby, so their not lying face down the entire time. 

Additionally, tummy time mats come with fun, interactive features such as mirrors and teethers. This is actually something your baby needs, instead of these common baby items you DON’T need!

Finally, try not to force too much tummy time. Start slowly with just a minute or so once or twice a day, and gradually build up over time. Make tummy time a fun part of your routine where you place baby on their tummy time mat, play some music and get down and interact together.

Before you know it, your baby will start giggling and cooing during tummy time and actually start enjoying their mini workout session.

 

Family

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

 

Hi, I’m Ana and I am a huge personal finance nerd. In addition to my journey to financial freedom, I also love to live life to the fullest…you know like a millionaire!! Learn more about me and this site…

Let's Connect!

Personal Finance

a coffe cup with beans on the side with text overlay

How to Get Free Starbucks Gift Cards

How to Calculate Your Net Worth

coins being put in a jar with text overlay

How to Save $10000 in a Year

More Personal Finance Articles...

SAVE TIME & MONEY WITH MEAL PLANNING!

  • Disclaimer/Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 The Million Dollar Mama

5848 shares