Safe Tummy Time

Introduction

Infants need tummy time - short periods of time throughout the day when infants are awake and spend time on their stomachs. Like all infant and child activities, tummy time requires focused attention and constant supervision. Like other activities, it is an excellent time to engage with infants in ways that stimulate their growth and development.

Benefits of Tummy Time

During tummy time, infants develop muscle strength and control, especially in the neck, arms, and shoulders. That development, strength, and control help support infants' ability to crawl, sit up, and walk when they are ready to take their first steps. Tummy time also helps prevent flat spots on the backs of infants' heads.

Tips for Safe Tummy Time

Starting as young as two or three-days-old, most infants can benefit from two or three brief tummy time sessions lasting 3 to 5 minutes. By the age of 2 months, pediatricians recommend a total of 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time each day. These simple tips help make the most of tummy time:

Clear floor space and spread a blanket.
Roll a towel and place it under the infant's arms for slight support.
Start with short sessions after a diaper change or nap.
Place a toy within reach and encourage the infant to interact with it and the environment.
Sit in front of the infant to encourage social engagement and bonding.

Enjoy the time and view it as an opportunity to stimulate the infant's growth and development in multiple areas.

Explore Safe Sleeping resources on the next page before moving on to the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases section.