08/09/2026
๐ TUMMY TIME: STARTING FROM DAY ONE
Did you know tummy time can start from birth? ๐ถ๐ผ
Tummy time is an important part of your newborn's development โ and you don't need to wait until your baby is 6 weeks old to begin!
๐ธ WHEN CAN YOU START?
You can introduce tummy time from the first days of life, as long as your baby is awake and supervised.
For newborns, tummy time doesn't have to mean putting baby on a play mat. Your chest, lap or shoulder can be wonderful places to start.
๐คฑ HOW CAN YOU DO IT?
โจ Chest-to-chest
Lie back comfortably and place baby tummy-down on your chest. Talk, smile and make eye contact.
โจ Across your lap
Place baby tummy-down across your thighs while supporting their head and neck.
โจ On a firm play surface
Place baby on their tummy on a firm, flat surface. Get down at their level and encourage them with your face or a toy.
โจ Little and often
Start with just 1โ2 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. Gradually build up as baby becomes stronger and more comfortable.
๐ช WHY IS TUMMY TIME IMPORTANT?
Tummy time helps your baby develop:
๐ฑ Stronger neck, shoulder and back muscles
๐ฑ Head and upper-body control
๐ฑ Motor skills needed for rolling, sitting and crawling
๐ฑ Coordination and body awareness
๐ฑ Strength needed to explore their world
It can also help prevent baby from spending too much time in one position.
โ ๏ธ MOST IMPORTANT: SLEEP โ TUMMY TIME
Always place your baby on their BACK for sleep.
Tummy time is only for when your baby is awake and being watched by an adult.
If your baby doesn't enjoy it at first, don't worry! โค๏ธ
Newborns often need time to get used to the position.
A few minutes of tummy time, many times a day, can make a big difference.
๐ Nursing to Nurture
Supporting you through every stage of your breastfeeding and parenting journey