Tummy time: building your baby's strength from day one

Tummy time plays a key role in your baby’s physical growth. It helps strengthen muscles and offers plenty of other benefits too. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Dr Nelson De Abreu, a paediatrician at Mediclinic Welkom, has an easy way of explaining tummy time to new parents: “Back to sleep, tummy to play.” This simple advice came about in the early 1990s when doctors realised that while the “back to sleep” campaign helped reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it also led to babies not developing their back and core muscles properly.

“We saw delays in muscle strength, head control, and even social skills because babies were spending so much time on their backs,” says Dr De Abreu. “They weren't getting chances to lift their heads and make eye contact with parents." That’s why tummy time became a key part of a baby’s daily routine – it gives babies the chance to build strength and develop vital physical and social skills.

What makes good tummy time?

Tummy time has three key parts, Dr De Abreu explains. The baby needs to be:

1. On their tummy
2. Awake
3. Supervised by a caregiver.

“Sleeping on their tummy doesn’t count, and they should never be left alone,” he emphasises.

The benefits go far beyond muscle strength. Tummy time prevents flat spots on babies’ heads and twisted neck syndrome, where neck muscles can shorten on one side. “It even helps with digestion and reduces gassiness," Dr De Abreu says. “Plus, it’s a perfect time for bonding and play.”

When to start tummy time

You can begin tummy time as soon as you bring your baby home. “In those first weeks, just three to five minutes a day is plenty,” explains Dr De Abreu. “Start with your baby on your chest while you're lying back. They’ll hear your heartbeat, smell your scent, and naturally want to lift their head to look at you.”

As your baby grows, Dr De Abreu suggests evolving their tummy time:

• 0-3 months – Try the “flying position” across your forearm
• 3-5 months – Help them push up on their forearms
• Around 6 months – Support positions that lead to sitting.

Making tummy time fun

“Get the whole family involved," Dr De Abreu suggests. “Siblings can lie in front of the baby, making faces and playing. Even pets can make it more exciting. You can also use special tummy time books that open to 180° or even 360° around the baby. Start with black and white patterns that newborns can see best, then introduce reds and yellows as their vision develops.”

The key is timing: “Choose when your baby is most relaxed and alert, usually after naps. Don't try it when they're tired and fussy at 6pm.”

For babies who find regular tummy time difficult, especially premature ones, Dr De Abreu recommends trying hydrotherapy or even spending time in the pool with a caregiver. “The water is great for helping babies develop control and core strength,” he explains. “We often see babies who have hydrotherapy sitting up earlier, sometimes as soon as four-and-a-half months, instead of waiting until six months.”

When to ask questions

Every baby develops differently but talk to your healthcare professional if your baby really dislikes tummy time or isn’t getting good head control by eight to nine weeks. For premature babies, these milestones could take a few extra weeks.

Dr De Abreu says the most important thing is to start early and be consistent: “Even just a few minutes a day makes a huge difference in your baby's development.”