When I first heard about tummy time, I assumed it just meant placing babies on their tummies now and again. I had no idea how much it actually supports their core strength and physical development.
Some babies love it right away. Others protest the moment their tummy touches the floor. The good news is that tummy time doesn’t need to be perfect, and it certainly doesn’t need to be stressful.
Here are five simple ways to make tummy time easier for both you and your baby, without any special equipment.
What you’ll find in this post
- 5 simple tummy time tips for babies who resist it
- How to fit tummy time into your daily routine without extra stress
- When to add support or props, and when you don’t need them
- Where to find toy and setup ideas for each age and stage
The 5 tips
Simple ways to make tummy time easier
Pick one to start with today, you don’t need to do them all at once.
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Tip one
Use everyday moments for natural tummy time
Tummy time doesn’t always need a special setup. Some of the best moments happen during your daily routine without you even noticing. After a nappy change, while chatting on the floor, or during a quiet morning cuddle, placing your baby gently on their tummy gives them a chance to practise lifting their head and pushing up.
- Try it straight after a nappy change, while you’re already down there
- Keep a soft mat somewhere you naturally spend time together
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Tip two
Make yourself the main attraction
Babies are naturally drawn to faces, and yours is their favourite. Instead of lying your baby on a mat and stepping back, try lying on your tummy right in front of them. Talk, sing, or simply smile. This encourages them to lift their head, focus, and stay engaged for longer.
- Get down to their eye level, face to face
- Narrate what you’re doing in a calm, warm voice
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Tip three
Add a little height and support
If your baby finds tummy time tricky, raising their chest slightly can make it much more comfortable. Use a folded towel, a soft blanket, or a small cushion to support around the chest. This helps them see more of the world and makes lifting their head feel achievable instead of frustrating.
- A rolled towel under the chest and arms works well to start
- Reduce the height every week or two as they gain strength
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Tip four
Encourage reaching and small movements
Instead of placing toys directly in front of your baby, move them just a little to one side or slightly above eye level. This encourages your baby to reach, twist, look up, or shift their weight, all wonderful for building shoulder stability and early core strength.
- Move a toy slowly from side to side to encourage head turning
- Try placing it just out of reach so they stretch a little further
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Tip five
Keep it short, frequent, and positive
If tummy time becomes a battle, shorten the sessions and increase how often you try throughout the day. Even 20 to 30 seconds is a win if your baby is relaxed and comfortable. Gradually increase the time as they become more confident.
- Stop before frustration sets in, and try again a little later
- Once your baby is more confident, browse our tummy time toys and setups by age (0-12 months)
It doesn’t need to look perfect. It just needs to happen.
What matters most is giving your baby opportunities to strengthen their body in a way that feels calm and enjoyable. Little by little, you’ll notice them becoming more confident, more curious, and more ready to move.
More on baby core strength and development
Part of our full guide to building your baby’s core strength at home.
Common questions about tummy time
Written by a mum & primary school teacher
With years in the classroom and a family of my own, I write about the practical, honest side of early childhood, because parents deserve real information, not just reassurance.
