Why Tummy Time Matters

When I first had my baby, both sets of grandparents reminded us how different things used to be when it came to safety protocols for babies.
“We put babies to sleep on their bellies and they slept so well,” they’d say.

But times have changed—and with the newer guidelines to always put babies on their backs for sleep, I suddenly found myself with a newborn who was in need of tummy time. I remember wondering: If he’s never on his belly, how will he learn to roll? To crawl? To lift that big, wobbly head?

That’s why tummy time became a must for us—starting from day one.
But it wasn’t always easy. Some days he fussed the second I laid him down. Other days, we only lasted 30 seconds.

The truth is, tummy time isn’t about perfection—it’s about little reps, early and often. It’s about learning your baby’s rhythm, trying different positions, and celebrating the smallest lift of the head like it’s a gold medal. Over time, those tiny moments add up to real strength, confidence, and milestones that suddenly seem to appear overnight.

So if your little one isn't loving tummy time right now, you’re not alone—and there are ways to make it easier. These are my three go-to positions to help your baby feel more comfortable and stay engaged, whether you're at home, on the go, or just trying to fit it in between naps and meetings.

Let’s break them down:

🛏️ Tummy-Time Wedge

How to use it:

• Flip the lounger so the incline lifts your baby’s chest.
  

• Gently place your baby on their belly, arms tucked under at the sides.
  

• Stay face-to-face, talk or sing, and cheer them on for short bursts (1–2 minutes at a time).
  

🎨 Sensory Play Mat

How to use it:

• Lay baby on their belly on the mat.
  

• Place a high-contrast toy or mirror 8–10 inches in front and a bit elevated to encourage head lifting.
  

• Move the toy side to side to support visual tracking and neck control.

🤗 Your Lap or Chest

How to use it:

• Recline comfortably and place your baby tummy-down on your chest.
  

• Support their hips gently, and speak softly face-to-face.
  

• Even this position builds core strength and bonding at once.

🔬 Why It Works

Tummy time isn’t just about strong necks—it’s the foundation for rolling, crawling, handwriting, and more.
When babies spend time on their bellies, they strengthen their neck, back, and shoulder muscles, activate their core, and build the postural control they’ll need for future milestones.
It also helps prevent flat spots and encourages weight‑bearing through the hands—an early step toward fine motor development.