Tummy-Time Activities

Between naps and nighttime, your baby can spend as many as 15 hours a day on his back. To balance that out, he needs to spend some time lying on his stomach when he's awake. Tummy-time activities promote neck and core strength and make it less likely that he'll develop a flat spot on the back of his head. Follow these suggestions to engage your baby in activity that will help him grow into a strong and healthy toddler.

By Emily Barger

Kathryn Gamble

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What Is Tummy Time?

Since your baby spends so much time on his back, he need tummy time to help strengthen his neck muscles which will lead to other physical milestones. Tummy time includes a variety of activities, positions, and routines to keep your infant spending a significant amount of time on his tummy. Whether he likes it or not (and most don't at first), your baby needs this time to practice lifting his head, then pushing up from the ground.

Add this exercise to your routine: When carrying Baby against your hip, alternate the hip he sits on frequently. This will encourage him to turn his head from left to right.

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Comments (10)

cschian1 wrote:

These aren't really helpful "activities"...how about some ideas to actually stimulate the baby into wanting to play on his belly?

5/16/2012 11:55:50 AM Report Abuse

jessicalynsmith wrote:

My son is 2 and half months old and he hates being on his tummy. He will turn on his side but thats as far he will go.

1/30/2012 02:30:39 PM Report Abuse

btorres74931 wrote:

my daughter is 4 months and hates being on her tummy. She has been holding her head since 2months old. tummy time will have to be a slow process for her.

1/23/2012 10:18:36 AM Report Abuse

gxh31951 wrote:

My daughter was 3 months,4 days before she turned 4 and she rolled over her tummy! I am very excited for her because she is doing something that my four boys didn't do! :0)tune in

8/10/2011 12:26:13 PM Report Abuse

amcgee81 wrote:

My four month old, Quinton, is my 3rd and last baby and he is growing so fast. I was alot younger with my older two so I am trying to enjoy every moment and not miss anything. He is so smart and strong and everyday I swear he learns something new and amazes me every day! Being a mom is the best thing ever, even when he does get up several times a night!!!

4/8/2011 08:46:32 PM Report Abuse