Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

There isn’t just one way to do tummy time! Keep reading to find out about different tummy time positions for newborns and babies!

Why is Tummy Time Important?

As you have probably heard tummy time is so important for newborns and babies! It strengthens babies neck and shoulder muscles and is, overall, fantastic for their motor skills.

Because babies sleep so much during the day, and the recommended position for sleep is on the back, the time they have to be on their tummies is limited. It’s important to take advantage of placing baby on their stomachs during wakeful moments so they can work on these important skills!

However, tummy time is not limited to being on the floor. You can also explore doing the football hold, tummy to tummy, and tummy to lap positions!

By 2 months, it’s recommended to do tummy time for 15 minutes a day, in 5 minute increments. However, I have found that I don’t need to count the minutes if I rotate all the different ways of doing tummy time throughout the day.

Skills: Gross Motor Skills

Ages: Baby

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

3 Alternative Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

In this quick video you’ll see the 3 alternative tummy time positions for newborns and babies that aren’t on the floor: the football hold, tummy to tummy, and tummy to lap.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

3 Alternative Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

In this quick video you’ll see the 3 alternative tummy time positions for newborns and babies that aren’t on the floor: the football hold, tummy to tummy, and tummy to lap.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

black and white high contrast stimulation cards for babies newborns free printable

Get the FREE Printable Black and White Patterns for Babies

This free printable set of black and white cards for babies are a great way to keep babies alert and interested during tummy time. The set includes 12 different high contrast images. Plus, tape them together to make them stand up on their own.

Make sure that you are allowing your baby to view them at a close distance. Remember, everything gets very blurry after 12-15 inches away from them!

And for even more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Other Benefits of Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

In addition to strengthening neck and shoulder muscles, tummy time gets babies on track for developing other motor skills including rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and ultimately walking.

Another benefit of placing babies on their tummy during wakeful periods is that it can help them avoid developing flat spots on the back of their head!

For more activities for babies visit our comprehensive list!

Other Benefits of Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

In addition to strengthening neck and shoulder muscles, tummy time gets babies on track for developing other motor skills including rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and ultimately walking.

Another benefit of placing babies on their tummy during wakeful periods is that it can help them avoid developing flat spots on the back of their head!

For more activities for babies visit our comprehensive list!