When I first learned how important tummy time was for babies, I thought it simply meant placing them on their stomachs a few times a day. It wasn’t until I started working with children in the early years that I realised how much tummy time supports strength, confidence and later physical development.
Some babies love it right away, while others protest the moment their tummy touches the floor. The good news is that tummy time does not need to be perfect, and it certainly does not need to be stressful. Here are five simple ways to make tummy time more enjoyable for both you and your baby.
Use Everyday Moments for Natural Tummy Time
Tummy time does not always need a special setup. In fact, some of the best tummy time moments happen during your daily routine without you even noticing. After a nappy change, while chatting on the floor, or even during a quiet morning cuddle, placing your baby gently on their tummy gives them a chance to practise lifting their head and pushing up.
These small pockets of time add up quickly and feel far less overwhelming than planning one long session.
2.
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.
Sometimes the best tummy time tool is simply you.
Add a Little Height and Support
If your baby finds tummy time tricky, raising their chest slightly can make it much more comfortable. You can 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. Gradually remove the support as they grow stronger.
4.
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. These tiny adjustments are wonderful for building shoulder stability and early core strength.
Simple household items work just as well as toys. Crinkly paper, wooden spoons or high-contrast cards can all spark curiosity.
5. Keep Tummy Time Short, Frequent and Positive — and Use Simple Toys & Setups
If tummy time becomes a battle, shorten the sessions and increase the number of times you try throughout the day. Even 20 or 30 seconds is a win if your baby is relaxed and comfortable. Gradually increase the time as they become more confident.
Praise, gentle encouragement and a calm voice make a huge difference. Babies quickly learn that tummy time is a safe place to explore, not something to worry about.
At the same time, you can gently increase interest and movement through some simple toys or setups.
Here are some parent-friendly picks that work well alongside tummy time:
These toys support the kind of gentle movement, weight-shifting, reaching and coordination skills that tummy time aims to build. They can help make tummy time more fun and motivate your baby to stay engaged.
Our Final Thoughts
Tummy time does not need to look perfect. What matters most is giving your baby opportunities to strengthen their body in a way that feels calm, comfortable and enjoyable. Little by little, you will notice them becoming more confident, more curious and more ready to move.
When you add in simple toys or gentle props, tummy time can transform from a “task” into a joyful little moment of learning and exploration. That early foundation supports rolling, crawling and all the exciting milestones that follow.
