The Importance of Tummy Time: Helping Your Baby Grow Strong and Healthy
Author: Kristina Rautek Potocnik, BA (Hons) Ed. Rehab., HDip Early Childhood Studies, MA Early Intervention & Inclusion, Cert. Play Therapy | SI | ASD | Reflexes, ongoing MSc SLT
The Importance of Tummy Time: Helping Your Baby Grow Strong and Healthy
In the first months of life, babies grow and learn very quickly. One simple but very important activity is tummy time—letting your baby lie on their stomach while they are awake and being watched. This helps your baby build muscles and explore the world around them.
Physical Development
Tummy time helps babies build strong muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. These muscles are important for lifting the head, learning to roll, crawl, and later walk. A study from Pediatrics (2019) showed that even a few minutes a day of tummy time helps babies with movement control and muscle strength. Over time, this supports healthy physical development.
Preventing Flat Head Syndrome
Many babies sleep on their backs, which is safest for sleep. But spending too much time on the back can sometimes lead to flat spots on the head. This is called plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. Tummy time helps by giving the baby a different position and taking pressure off the back of the head.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that babies who had tummy time every day were less likely to develop flat head syndrome. Changing your baby’s position during playtime is a good way to help their head grow evenly.
Cognitive Development
Tummy time is also good for the brain. When your baby is on their tummy, they look around and use their eyes in new ways. They see toys, people, and lights from a different angle. This helps with vision, attention, and curiosity.
A 2020 study from Infant Behavior & Development showed that babies who had regular tummy time did better on tests that measure visual skills and focus. So, tummy time helps both the body and the mind grow.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help!
At NeuroNest, we offer friendly support and education for all parents—before and after your baby is born. If your baby doesn’t like tummy time or you have questions, you can join our one-time Tummy Time education session. It’s a great way to learn and feel more confident.
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