Tummy time for newborns
Welcoming home a new baby can be a time filled with both joy and uncertainty. As a new parent, between sweet coos and gazing at your precious bundle, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to have a newborn to care for. Many new parents have asked us, “What do I do with a newborn all day?” Our answer: take that nap and when you wake up, spend time holding, snuggling, and getting to know your baby in those early days AND from day one, get baby on his/her belly regularly! All future movements your baby will learn get their start in tummy time. Allowing baby to freely move on the floor is the best way to support his/her continued and rapid development.
Check out our tummy time post for the full background on why tummy time is so important for development and how it can help prevent issues like flat head later in infancy. Below, we’ve included our top 6 positions for tummy time with a newborn. These are interactive positions that support bonding as well as stimulate your new baby’s maturing nervous, muscular, and sensory systems. There is brain development happening every minute, but you don’t need to stress about that. All you have to do is continue to bond with your baby while you play with him/her in this safe position.
How long and how often?
We recommend a goal of 2-4 minute chunks 8-10 times a day in the first month and at least an hour total throughout the day by month 3.
What to expect:
A newborn won’t push through his/her arms yet; elbows will stay tucked in near the sides with fisted hands near the face
Baby will begin to raise his/her wobbly, adorable head to look and find you for brief spurts of time
Baby may fuss on his/her tummy. That’s ok, but don’t give up! Try switching between all of these positions to give your baby variety and also get him/her used to being tummy down
Baby may spit up. Try to avoid tummy time right after a feeding to avoid spit up.
Use our milestone checklists to track your child’s skills and progress and always speak with your pediatrician if you are concerned about your child’s motor development. There are delays and disorders that are unavoidable and require early detection and prompt intervention by a licensed Occupational or Physical Therapist.
Top 6 positions for tummy time with a newborn
*Never leave baby unattended or unsupervised during tummy time
1. Baby on your chest or up on your shoulder while you’re in a reclined position in a chair or on the couch/bed with pillows propped behind you.
2. Across your lap with something to look at (e.g., books, black and white pictures, a sibling playing). Baby is working hard in this position when he/she lifts the head to look at light, sounds or people. This a great position to sing to baby or softly rub his/her back. You can make it a little easier on baby by keeping one foot flat and raising the leg baby’s head is on by resting on the ball of your foot. This slight incline makes it a little easier for baby to pick up his/her head. Added bonus: this is a great position for a gassy baby.
3. Hold baby across your body, facing out. Some people call this a football hold, others call it a sleeping tiger pose. Whatever it is, it’s cute and functional for parent and baby. Baby’s sensory system benefits from the change in position. The nervous and muscular systems benefit from the ability to move with support. Place baby across your forearm and against your body. Support baby with your other arm. This is a fun way to hold baby in front of a mirror so you can still talk and engage with her. This is also a great position for a gassy baby. Place the heel of your hand gently under his/her belly. This added pressure can help to work out some of the gas bubbles.
4. Lay on the floor very close to your baby, talk to him/her and encourage head turning to look for you. Use big facial expressions and a calm, encouraging voice to gain attention.
5. Side lying on the floor. Lay your baby on his/her side on the floor. You can put a rolled towel, blanket or pillow behind the back to keep baby on his/her side. Then, lay on the floor next to your baby, no more than 3 feet away. You can sing, make funny faces, or play with a toy. Your baby benefits in this position because he/she is able to work both the front and back muscles of the body.
6. Tummy time with a nursing pillow. Place your baby over a nursing pillow with his/her arms in near the body. Put a mirror, black and white toy or picture on the floor in front of them. You can also try laying on the floor in front of your baby and talking or singing. This is a great position for baby to begin working out those neck muscles, but please always watch baby closely to make sure he/she is safe and can turn the head to the side to breathe well and never leave unattended in this position.
Tummy time with a newborn shouldn’t be stressful. Take time to soak in the snuggles, coos, and stare at his/her beautiful new face as you get to know your new baby. Be confident that you now know a variety of ways to bond AND support your baby’s development. We’re here with you every step of the way. Enjoy these precious new moments and cuddle them close.
Bree
We’re Bree & Jaclyn
Pediatric therapists and moms with a mission to empower you with knowledge to encourage your baby’s development and continue confidently into your parenthood journey.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below and we will get back to you. As always, the information we share is meant to provide general education and tips and is not intended as medical advice. If you have a specific question or concern about your child’s development, please speak directly to your child’s doctor or therapist.