Making tummy time a happy time: A guide for parents

As a parent, you hear from day one how important tummy time is for your baby’s development. It’s the foundation for rolling, sitting, and crawling. But what neither the professionals nor the books always tell you is that many babies don’t enjoy it at first.

Does this sound familiar? You gently place your baby on their tummy, and within seconds, they are fussy, crying, and clearly unhappy. It can be stressful and leave you wondering if you’re doing something wrong. If you’re feeling this way, please know you are not alone, and there are gentle, positive ways to make tummy time a better experience for everyone.

The key is to reframe the goal. Instead of aiming for long, perfect sessions, think of it as building small, happy moments throughout the day. Here are a few parent-tested tips to help you get started.

Start small and slow

You don’t need to aim for 15-minute sessions right from the start. A few short bursts of 30 seconds to a minute, several times a day, can still be very effective. The goal is quality, not quantity. When your baby starts to get fussy, it’s okay to pick them up and try again later. This teaches them that tummy time is a safe and temporary activity, not a stressful one

Tummy time doesn’t always mean the floor

One of the best-kept secrets is that tummy time can happen in many different places! Some of the most effective and comforting ways to practice are:

• On your chest: Lie back on a recliner, a sofa, or in bed and place your baby on your chest, tummy-down. They will be comforted by your closeness – and will naturally want to lift their head to see your face.

• Across your lap: Sit on a chair and lay your baby across your knees, providing gentle support under their chest. This position can also be helpful for relieving gas

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Get down on their level

The world can look a bit boring from floor level. Getting down on the mat with your baby transforms tummy time from a solitary exercise into special playtime with you. Make eye contact, sing songs, pull funny faces, or place a baby-safe mirror in front of them. Your engagement is the most interesting toy they have.

Use a little support

For some babies, lying flat on the floor is hard work. You can make it a little easier by rolling up a small towel or blanket, or a feeding pillow, and placing it under their chest and armpits. This little boost gives them a better view and frees up their arms to push up or reach for toys, building their strength and confidence.

Use a little support

Turning tummy time into a game can change everything. If your baby is ready for a little more movement, you could try the “aeroplane” hold.

To do it safely, hold your baby close across your torso. Slide one of your hands between their legs so that your forearm and hand support their tummy and chest. Your other hand can then provide extra support under their arms or elbows. Once they feel secure, you can gently lift and “fly” them around the room or just rock them from side to side. The gentle movement is fun and distracting while strengthening their back, neck, and arms muscles in a playful way.

You can also use a large cushion or a gym ball to make tummy time easier. Place your baby on the cushion or hold them securely on the ball, gently rocking them. An inclined surface is often less challenging for a child

Use a little support

For babies who find full tummy time particularly challenging, side-lying is a wonderful first step. Lay your baby on their side with a rolled-up towel behind their back for support and put a toy in front of them to encourage reaching. This position is less demanding but still helps develop core strength and brings their hands together—an important skill for later on.

Remember these gentle tips

To build your confidence and your baby’s tolerance, here are some helpful tips:

• Little and often: Start with just 30 seconds or one minute at a time, several times a day. Every single second counts!
• Timing is key: Try it when your baby is awake, happy, and alert—not right before a nap or when they are hungry. After a nappy change is often a great time.
• Listen to your baby: If they become distressed, it’s always okay to take a break. End on a positive note and try again later.
• Consistency over intensity: A few happy minutes each day is far more beneficial than one long, unhappy session.

Remember, every bit counts

The journey of development isn’t a race. It’s about progress, not perfection. Every minute, or even every few seconds, of tummy time is helping your child build strength in their neck, shoulders, and back.

Celebrate the small victories and remember that you are your child’s best guide. By creating positive and supportive experiences, you are not only helping them build physical skills but also strengthening the beautiful bond between you.