Tummy time can feel surprisingly complicated for something that happens on the floor. You know it matters, you make a beautifully clear space, place your baby on their front… and within seconds they make their feelings very clear.
If that sounds familiar, you are not doing anything wrong. Lots of babies need time to get comfortable in this new position. The gentlest approach is usually the best: start small, stay close and build tummy time into the day little and often.
What is tummy time?
Tummy time is any time your baby spends on their tummy while they are awake and supervised. It helps strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, back and hips, supporting the movement skills they will use as they learn to lift their head, roll, sit and crawl.
It does not have to begin with your baby lying on the floor. From birth, tummy time can take place against your chest or across your lap. As they become stronger and more settled, you can gradually introduce short stretches on a clear, comfortable floor space.
NHS guidance recommends beginning tummy time from birth, building it up gradually and only practising when your baby is awake, alert and supervised. Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep.
Tummy time ideas by age and stage
Every baby develops at their own pace, so think of these stages as gentle prompts rather than a timetable to meet.
Tummy time for newborns
In the earliest weeks, closeness is often the best place to begin. Recline while fully awake and place your baby tummy-down on your chest, keeping your hands around them. Your voice, warmth and familiar face can make the position feel much more reassuring.
You can also lay your baby across your lap while supporting them, or carry them tummy-down along your forearm. Even brief moments count. Choose a calm time when they are awake and comfortable-not when they are very hungry, overtired or have just finished a feed.
Newborn tummy time on The Checker XL playmat
Tummy time at around 1–2 months
As your baby becomes more alert, try a short session on the mat. Get right down beside them so they can see and hear you. Talk, sing or slowly move your face from side to side to encourage them to turn and lift their head.
A small rolled towel placed beneath the chest and upper arms may offer a little extra support if lifting their head feels difficult. Keep their arms comfortably forward and stay beside them throughout.
Tummy time at around 3-4 months
At this stage, many babies begin lifting their head higher and pushing through their forearms. Place a baby-safe mirror, high-contrast book or favourite toy just within view. Moving it slowly from one side to the other can encourage head turning, visual tracking and reaching.
Try changing the view, too. Lie on the playmat opposite your baby, invite an older sibling to join you or move to a different part of the room. The aim is not to turn tummy time into a workout; it is to make movement feel interesting and shared.
Siblings on The Roamer Playmat
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Tummy time as your baby approaches rolling
Once your baby begins shifting their weight, reaching across their body or trying to roll, give them plenty of clear space to explore. Place a toy slightly to one side rather than directly in front to encourage reaching and gentle weight transfer.
Some babies roll earlier than expected and others take longer. Keep the surrounding floor clear and remain within reach. When rolling starts, tummy time often becomes less of a planned activity and more part of your baby’s natural floor play.
Tummy time on The Mariner Playmat
What if my baby hates tummy time?
Crying does not mean you have failed. Pause, offer comfort and try again later. One calm minute can be more useful than pushing through a longer, unhappy session.
Try changing one thing at a time:
• Move tummy time to after a nap, when your baby is calm and alert.
• Begin on your chest or lap rather than the floor.
• Get down to eye level and let your face be the focus.
• Add a rolled towel beneath their upper chest for support.
• Use a mirror, simple book, soft toy or song to hold their interest.
• Try several very short sessions instead of one long stretch.
If your baby consistently struggles to lift or turn their head, always turns to the same side, seems unusually stiff or floppy, or you are worried about their movement, speak to your health visitor, GP or paediatric physiotherapist.
Choosing a comfortable surface for tummy time
A clear, firm and comfortable surface gives babies room to move without sinking into something overly soft. It also makes it easier for you to get down beside them - because tummy time tends to work better when it feels like time together.
This is where years at the centre of family floor play have shaped how we design at Totter + Tumble. Our playmats are made in one seamless piece with 1.3cm of cushioning memory foam and a wipe-clean surface, creating a supportive everyday space for newborn stretches, first rolls and all the play that follows.
They are designed for the home you love and the family who lives in it: comfortable enough for little bodies and grown-up knees, practical enough for real family life, and calm enough to feel at home in the rooms you use most.
Tummy time safety: a quick reminder
• Practise tummy time only when your baby is awake and alert.
• Stay with your baby and supervise them throughout.
• Use a clear, stable surface with room to move.
• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
• Stop, comfort them and try again later if they become distressed.
Tummy time FAQs
When should I start tummy time?
You can begin from birth with your baby lying on your chest while you are fully awake, then introduce floor-based tummy time when they are ready.
How long should tummy time last?
Start with very short sessions and build gradually. Little and often is more manageable for many babies than one long session. NHS guidance suggests working towards a total of around 20-30 minutes across the day by three or four months, until your baby can roll independently.
What is the best time of day for tummy time?
Choose a moment when your baby is awake, calm and not immediately after a feed. After a nap or nappy change often works well.
Does tummy time have to happen on the floor?
No. Tummy time on your chest, lap or forearm can be a gentle starting point. Floor time becomes useful as your baby grows stronger and wants more space to look, reach and move.
What should I put in front of my baby during tummy time?
Your face is often the best entertainment. You can also try a baby-safe mirror, high-contrast book or simple toy positioned within view and reach.
A comfortable beginning for all the play ahead
Tummy time does not need to look perfect. A few quiet moments on your chest, a minute spent face-to-face on the floor or one determined reach towards a favourite toy all count. Start where your baby is, stay close and let confidence grow at their pace.
From newborn stretches to first rolls, create a comfortable place for everyday movement with a Totter + Tumble playmat.
Explore our supportive, wipe-clean playmats
