Step by step
- Tummy time strengthens the head, neck, shoulders and arms, and it is the base for rolling, crawling and sitting.
- Start from the first days, when the baby is awake and calm, not straight after a feed.
- At first a few minutes, a few times a day. Build up slowly, at their pace.
- The aim is to reach, little by little, at least half an hour a day, spread through the day.
- You can start with them lying on your chest. That counts as tummy time too.
- Get down to their eye level, talk, sing or show a toy.
- When they get tired or cry, turn them over gently and try again later. Keep going even once they can roll.
Good to know
- Tummy time only while the baby is awake, with an adult right beside them watching all the time. For sleep, always on the back.
Sources: Israel Ministry of Health (Parenting), World Health Organization (WHO). This is general information, not a replacement for a doctor, a well-baby nurse or a lactation consultant. You know your baby best, and when something worries you, it is always fine to ask.