Introduction: Laying the Foundation for Stronger, Smarter Babies
Tummy time is one of the most important activities you can introduce during your baby’s early months. It might seem simple, but placing your baby on their tummy while they are awake and supervised plays a crucial role in promoting physical strength, sensory awareness, and cognitive development.
Many parents associate tummy time with strengthening neck and back muscles, but its benefits reach far beyond that. Regular tummy time encourages babies to lift their heads, push up with their arms, and begin building the core strength needed for rolling, crawling, and eventually walking. It also helps prevent positional conditions such as flat head syndrome.
At Starshine Montessori, we incorporate tummy time into our infant care routine not as a chore, but as an opportunity for purposeful movement and joyful exploration. We believe that fostering movement from an early age builds not only physical ability but also confidence, coordination, and focus.
In this article, we will explore the science and developmental value behind tummy time, when and how to start, and how Montessori principles can make it a positive, enjoyable experience for both babies and parents.
Let us begin by defining exactly what tummy time is and how it fits into the daily rhythm of a growing infant.
What Exactly Is Tummy Time?
Definition and origins of the term
Tummy time refers to the practice of placing an infant on their stomach while they are awake and under supervision. It is a foundational activity in early development that helps babies strengthen their muscles and build the skills needed for motor milestones like rolling, crawling, and eventually sitting and walking.
The term gained popularity in the early 1990s after the launch of the “Back to Sleep” campaign, which recommended that infants sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While this guidance significantly improved infant safety during sleep, it also led to a rise in flat head syndrome and delayed motor development due to a lack of time spent in prone positions. Tummy time was introduced as a solution to ensure babies still had safe opportunities to develop strength and coordination during waking hours.
What counts as tummy time in early months
Tummy time does not need to be limited to the floor. In the earliest weeks, it can include gentle positions such as lying chest-to-chest on a parent, being carried on the forearm in the “tiger in the tree” hold, or spending time across a caregiver’s lap. These positions provide the same opportunity for babies to practise lifting their heads, turning to the side, and engaging their trunk muscles.
As your baby gains head control, they can begin tummy time on a soft, flat surface such as a play mat or blanket. Even a few minutes at a time, several times a day, can make a noticeable difference. The key is consistency and attentiveness, ensuring that your baby is alert, comfortable, and supervised.
In the following section, we will explore why this simple daily habit is so powerful for your baby’s physical development.
Why Tummy Time Matters for Physical Development
Head, neck, and shoulder strength
During tummy time, babies are encouraged to lift and turn their heads against gravity. This repeated action strengthens the neck muscles and supports head control, which is a key developmental milestone in the first few months of life. As babies gain confidence, they begin to push up using their arms and shoulders, building the upper body strength needed for rolling over, crawling, and eventually pulling themselves to a standing position.
These movements also prepare babies for essential postural control, helping them sit upright with stability later on. Without enough time on their tummies, babies may experience delays in developing the muscle tone and coordination necessary for these skills.
Prevention of flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly)
One of the most well-documented benefits of tummy time is its role in preventing positional plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome. When babies spend most of their time lying on their backs, the back of the skull may flatten due to continuous pressure on one area. Tummy time helps counter this by relieving that pressure and encouraging babies to move their heads in different directions.
According to the UK National Health Service, tummy time is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing flat spots on the head. It allows babies to explore movement freely and shift their weight without relying solely on the back of the head for support.
Core strength and postural control
In addition to the head, neck, and shoulders, tummy time activates the muscles of the back, hips, and abdomen. These are essential components of core strength. A strong core gives babies the foundation to move their limbs with control, balance during sitting, and eventually walk with confidence.
The more regularly a baby experiences tummy time, the more practice they get in shifting weight, stretching, and building endurance. These physical skills are not just useful for movement but also support hand-eye coordination and balance, both of which play an important role in fine motor and gross motor development as the child grows.
In the next section, we will look beyond the physical benefits and discover how tummy time supports the brain, senses, and early learning.
How Tummy Time Supports Brain and Sensory Growth
Links to visual development and sensory integration
While tummy time is often praised for its physical benefits, it also plays a vital role in the development of your baby’s brain and sensory systems. When lying on their stomachs, babies are in a position that encourages them to lift and turn their heads, which helps coordinate vision with head movement. This strengthens eye muscles and promotes depth perception, tracking skills, and spatial awareness.
Babies also begin to explore the textures of the surface beneath them and respond to the position of their limbs. This is the beginning of sensory integration, the process by which the brain organises information from the senses to support movement, learning, and interaction with the environment.
Over time, consistent tummy time supports the foundation for more complex sensory tasks. It helps the brain build neural connections that influence how babies respond to touch, sound, and visual input—critical areas for language, balance, and social development later on.
Neural pathways activated during prone movement
Movement in the prone position activates specific neural circuits responsible for balance, coordination, and body awareness. These early movements lay down the pathways for future mobility, helping the brain and body communicate more efficiently. Tummy time is one of the earliest forms of purposeful movement for a baby, which means it is also one of the first opportunities for the brain to practise planning and controlling actions.
Engaging in these small but meaningful physical efforts helps the baby’s brain map out where the body is in space, which researchers refer to as proprioception. This skill is essential for almost every future action, from reaching and crawling to climbing and writing.
A helpful guide from Pathways.org offers videos and developmental milestones that show how prone play supports this kind of integrated learning through movement.
How movement shapes cognitive ability
Research increasingly shows that physical development and cognitive growth are closely linked, especially in the first year of life. Tummy time encourages the kind of active engagement that helps a baby develop curiosity, attention span, and problem-solving abilities. As babies learn to pivot, reach, and push up, they are also learning persistence and cause-and-effect reasoning.
At Starshine Montessori, we observe how even short sessions of tummy time spark focus and determination in our infants. These qualities carry over into other areas of development, supporting learning through action and discovery.
Next, we will explore how Montessori principles align with tummy time and how they can make the experience more engaging and respectful for both babies and caregivers.
Tummy Time the Montessori Way
Respecting readiness and following the child
Montessori education is built on the principle of respecting each child’s unique development. This applies even in the earliest stages of life. When it comes to tummy time, a Montessori approach focuses on observing your baby’s signals and introducing movement opportunities gradually and gently.
Rather than setting rigid targets or forcing uncomfortable positions, Montessori-informed caregivers watch for signs of readiness. These might include your baby turning their head while lying down, attempting to push up, or becoming more alert during floor time. Encouraging movement in a way that honours your baby’s rhythm supports trust and confidence in their growing abilities.
This respectful attitude also fosters autonomy. By giving your baby the freedom to explore movement at their own pace, you are allowing them to build independence, resilience, and a sense of capability.
Using floor time for exploration and autonomy
Montessori environments value freedom of movement from birth. In place of bouncers or swings, Montessori spaces offer firm, safe mats and open floor areas where babies can explore on their tummies. These spaces are kept uncluttered and calm, allowing babies to focus on their own bodies and surroundings.
Simple materials like low mirrors, grasping toys, and soft mats encourage babies to look around, reach, and roll. These movements are the earliest forms of self-directed exploration. Floor time, including tummy time, becomes an empowering experience rather than a passive one.
This practice continues at Starshine Montessori, where we design our infant areas to be both safe and inviting. Our educators observe each child and gently introduce tummy time throughout the day as part of natural care routines and play.
The role of a carefully prepared environment
In Montessori, the environment is considered a teacher. A well-prepared space encourages movement and discovery without overstimulation. For tummy time, this means using soft mats on firm surfaces, arranging objects just beyond reach to inspire stretching, and reducing distractions such as loud toys or excessive visual clutter.
At home, parents can create a similar environment by choosing a quiet corner with a clean floor space and placing a small mirror or safe object nearby. Ensure lighting is soft, and your presence nearby offers encouragement and reassurance. Over time, your baby will associate tummy time with comfort, connection, and the joy of discovery.
To see how our infant care environment supports early movement through Montessori practices, you can explore our Starshine Infant Care programme, where daily routines are designed to support both physical and emotional growth from the very first months.
In the next section, we will guide you on when to start tummy time, how often it should be practised, and how to integrate it into your daily rhythm with confidence.
When to Start and How Often to Do It
AAP and expert guidelines
Tummy time can begin as early as the first week after birth, once your baby is comfortable and has had time to adjust to life outside the womb. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should start with two to three short sessions of tummy time per day, gradually building up to a total of about one hour daily by the time they are three months old.
It is important that tummy time is only done when your baby is awake and under direct supervision. It should never replace safe sleep practices. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and on their tummy to play.
As your baby grows stronger, they will begin to enjoy these moments more and may naturally extend the duration of each session.
Developmental signs of readiness
Every baby is different, and some may take to tummy time more quickly than others. Early signs that your baby is ready for more tummy time include:
- Lifting their head briefly when placed on your chest
- Turning their head from side to side when lying prone
- Showing alertness and curiosity during floor play
If your baby is uncomfortable or fussy at first, start slowly. Even one or two minutes at a time is beneficial. With consistent practice and a soothing environment, most babies gradually adjust and begin to enjoy it.
Safe and simple daily routines
Tummy time is most effective when it becomes part of your everyday rhythm. This could be after a nappy change, during a quiet play session, or following a nap once your baby is well rested and content. Choose a time when your baby is alert but not overtired, and position yourself close by to offer encouragement.
You can try tummy time on a blanket on the floor, across your lap, or on your chest. Many parents find that after feeding and burping, placing the baby on their tummy on the lap is a gentle way to begin.
The Cleveland Clinic offers additional guidance on how often and when to increase tummy time, along with tips for making it more interactive and fun.
In the next section, we will explore how to make tummy time enjoyable for both baby and parent, turning it into a positive bonding experience rather than a struggle.
Making It Enjoyable for Baby and Parent
Positions to try beyond flat-on-the-floor
Tummy time does not always have to happen on a play mat. Especially in the early weeks, variety can make it more comfortable and engaging for both baby and parent. You can begin with chest-to-chest tummy time by reclining slightly and placing your baby on your chest. This encourages eye contact, bonding, and natural lifting of the head.
Another gentle method is the “tummy across your lap” position, which is ideal for babies who resist being flat on the floor. As your baby becomes stronger, you can transition to a firm surface such as a floor mat or Montessori movement area. Place a rolled towel under their chest for added support if needed.
In each position, ensure your baby’s arms are forward and elbows tucked in to help them push up and explore.
Using mirrors, mats, and touch to engage your baby
Visual and tactile stimulation can make tummy time more interesting. Place a baby-safe mirror near your baby’s eye level to spark curiosity and encourage head movement. Babies are naturally drawn to faces, and seeing their own reflection often motivates them to lift and turn their heads.
Soft play mats with varied textures can also enhance the sensory experience, giving your baby feedback through touch. You might also place simple toys just out of reach to encourage reaching and pivoting. These movements are excellent precursors to crawling and rolling.
At Starshine Montessori, we incorporate mirrors and natural materials into our infant environments to support self-discovery and purposeful movement. These Montessori-aligned tools help infants engage more deeply during tummy time and build positive associations with physical exploration.
Turning fussiness into bonding time
Some babies resist tummy time at first. This is understandable, as the prone position requires effort and coordination. The key is to start gently and always remain nearby. Talk softly, sing, or place your hand on their back to offer comfort and reassurance.
Short, frequent sessions are often more effective than long periods of discomfort. Aim for just a few minutes, several times a day, gradually increasing as your baby shows signs of strength and tolerance.
Remember, your presence is the most powerful comfort. Tummy time can become a moment of connection, filled with encouragement and smiles, rather than a task to get through.
In the next section, we will address common concerns parents have when tummy time proves difficult and offer gentle solutions to build comfort and consistency.
What If My Baby Hates Tummy Time?
Common reasons for resistance
It is very common for babies to show some discomfort or protest when placed on their tummies, especially during the early weeks. This position requires effort and challenges muscles that are still developing. Babies may find it difficult to lift their heads or adjust their arms and may feel vulnerable without the security of being held.
Other reasons your baby may resist tummy time include:
- Feeling tired or overstimulated
- Having a full tummy or needing to burp
- Being placed on a cold or unfamiliar surface
- Needing additional time to build strength and comfort
Understanding the reason behind the fussiness helps you respond with compassion and adapt the environment to meet your baby’s needs.
Gentle techniques to build tolerance
If your baby resists tummy time, start with very short intervals, just one or two minutes at a time and gradually increase based on your baby’s cues. You can also try alternative tummy time positions, such as placing your baby on your chest, across your lap, or using a nursing pillow for slight elevation.
Ensure the setting is warm, soft, and inviting. Use a soothing voice, sing a lullaby, or make gentle eye contact to reassure your baby. Placing a mirror or your face within their line of sight can help distract and encourage head lifting.
Frequent tummy time in short bursts throughout the day can be more effective than one long session. For example, a few minutes after every nappy change can add up to a substantial daily total.
If your baby continues to resist despite these adjustments, consider consulting your paediatrician or a child development specialist. Some babies may benefit from a personalised approach or may have underlying sensitivities that need to be addressed early.
The parenting site VeryWell Family offers additional tips for easing resistance and answering common questions about when and how to start tummy time, especially for newborns.
In the next section, we will share how tummy time is thoughtfully integrated into daily care at Starshine Montessori and how our approach helps babies build strength and confidence naturally.
How We Practise Tummy Time at Starshine Montessori
Daily movement opportunities in infant care
At Starshine Montessori, tummy time is seamlessly integrated into each infant’s daily rhythm. Rather than treating it as a separate activity or a developmental requirement to tick off, we approach it as a natural and meaningful part of the child’s daily experience. Our caregivers observe each child’s cues and introduce tummy time in short, engaging bursts, always respecting the baby’s level of readiness and comfort.
We begin with gentler forms of tummy time, such as lying on the caregiver’s chest or being placed across the lap, particularly in the early weeks. As the child grows more comfortable, we progress to floor-based sessions, encouraging babies to explore their surroundings from a prone position.
This gradual, responsive approach ensures that tummy time is not only effective but also enjoyable for the baby.
Montessori materials that support gross motor skills
Our infant spaces are designed with Montessori principles in mind. This includes the use of soft mats on firm surfaces, low mirrors to encourage visual engagement, and simple grasping toys that stimulate reaching and pivoting. These materials help develop strength, coordination, and concentration while offering babies the freedom to move and discover at their own pace.
We avoid placing babies in containers such as bouncers or swings that restrict movement. Instead, we offer wide, open areas where they can practise rolling, pushing up, and eventually crawling. These spaces support uninterrupted movement, which is central to the Montessori belief that the child builds intelligence through physical exploration.
If you are curious to see how this looks in practice, our article on Montessori principles for infant growth and success provides insight into how we encourage autonomy and gross motor development from the very beginning.
Observing and following each child’s pace
Just as each child develops language at their own pace, so too does physical growth vary. Our educators are trained to observe developmental patterns and offer support that matches the child’s individual needs. For some babies, a longer adjustment period is necessary; for others, movement becomes a joyful expression early on.
We document each infant’s progress and communicate closely with families to ensure consistency between home and school. This partnership helps babies feel secure and supported, whether they are working on their first push-up or preparing to crawl.
In the following section, we will answer common questions from parents about tummy time, including safety, duration, and what to expect at different stages.
FAQs
Is tummy time safe right after feeding?
It is best to wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after a feed before placing your baby on their tummy. This helps prevent discomfort or spit-up, especially in younger babies with immature digestion. If your baby becomes fussy during tummy time, check that their last feed was not too recent and try a gentler position, such as chest-to-chest with you in a reclined posture.
Can I do tummy time on my chest instead of the floor?
Yes, absolutely. In the early weeks, placing your baby on your chest while you recline is a wonderful way to begin tummy time. This position is comforting and encourages head lifting, bonding, and eye contact. As your baby gains strength and control, you can gradually transition to a flat surface like a blanket or play mat.
What if my baby falls asleep during tummy time?
If your baby dozes off during tummy time, gently transfer them to their back in a safe sleep space, such as a cot or bassinet. While prone play is essential for development, the safest sleep position for infants is on their backs. This follows safe sleep guidelines recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Health Promotion Board in Singapore.
How much tummy time is too much?
There is no strict upper limit, as long as your baby is comfortable, alert, and supervised. The goal is to build up to about one hour of tummy time throughout the day by three months of age. That said, quality matters more than quantity. Several short, happy sessions are often better than a single long one that ends in frustration.
Does tummy time really help with crawling?
Yes, tummy time plays an important role in developing the muscles needed for crawling. It strengthens the neck, shoulders, arms, back, and core, all of which are essential for movement coordination. It also enhances visual tracking and depth perception, which babies use to plan and guide their movements.
Tummy time is the foundation for many future milestones. The more positive the experience is early on, the more confident your baby will become in exploring their environment independently.
References
The following resources were used to inform and support the content of this article, ensuring that the information shared is accurate, evidence-based, and aligned with early childhood best practices:
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Tummy time. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tummy_time
- Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Gross motor skill. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_motor_skill
- Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The Whole-Brain Child. Delacorte Press.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Tummy Time. HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx
- Pathways.org. (2024). Tummy Time Toolkit. Retrieved from https://pathways.org/brochures/tummy-time-brochure/TummyTimeBrochure_English_LEGAL_2024.pdf
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Tummy Time Benefits. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-to-start-tummy-time
- VeryWell Family. (2024). Tummy Time for Babies: When, How, and Why. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/tummy-time-guide-for-new-parents-5216887
- Starshine Montessori. (2025). Infant Care in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.starshinemontessori.com/infant/
- Starshine Montessori. (2025). Montessori Principles for Infant Growth & Success. Retrieved from https://www.starshinemontessori.com/montessori-principles-for-infant-growth-success/
These sources provide a balance of medical authority, developmental insight, and Montessori-aligned philosophy to guide parents through one of the most important early practices in their baby’s growth journey.
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