10/19/2026
Tummy Time: Building a Strong Core Through Play
Place your baby on their tummy for a few minutes, and you may hear a little protest—but those tiny efforts are helping build important strength. Tummy time helps strengthen the muscles in your baby’s neck, shoulders, arms, back, and core, which support future skills like rolling, sitting, crawling, and reaching. Start with short, supervised sessions when your baby is awake and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.
Make tummy time more interesting by placing a favorite toy just within reach so your baby has a reason to lift their head and look around. Get down on the floor face-to-face, talk, sing, or smile at your baby to encourage them to lift and turn their head toward you. You can also place your baby across your chest or lap while you are awake and supervising, giving them another gentle way to practice.
If your baby gets frustrated, take a break and try again later rather than forcing the activity. A rolled towel placed under the chest and arms can sometimes make tummy time more comfortable, but always stay right beside your baby and make sure their airway remains clear. Tummy time is about more than strengthening muscles—it gives your baby opportunities to explore movement, build confidence, and discover what their growing body can do.
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