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Tummy time: when to start and how much
Updated 28 October 2026
Tummy time is play time on your baby's tummy, while they're awake and you're right there. It gives them a chance to lift their head, push up on their arms and move in ways they can't while lying on their back. Here's how to start, how much to aim for, and how to keep it safe.
When to start
You can start in the first days. The NHS suggests starting from birth by lying your baby on your chest, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says you can begin the day your baby comes home from the hospital.
At first, a few minutes is plenty. Newborns tire quickly, and that's fine: little and often is the way to build up.
How much, by age
| Age | What to aim for | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The first days and weeks | 2 to 3 short sessions a day, 3 to 5 minutes each | AAP |
| By about 7 weeks | 15 to 30 minutes a day in total | AAP |
| Under 1 year, until your baby can move about on their own | At least 30 minutes a day in total, spread through the day, while awake | WHO |
The minutes add up across the day. Several short, happy sessions are better than one long, tearful one.
Keep it safe
- Only when awake and watched. Tummy time is for babies who are awake and alert, with an adult watching closely the whole time.
- Tummy to play, back to sleep. Tummy time is never for sleep. Always put your baby down to sleep on their back. If they fall asleep on their tummy, gently turn them onto their back and move them to their own safe sleep space.
- A clear, flat space. A clean mat or blanket on the floor works well, away from edges your baby could roll off.
- Pick a calm moment. The AAP suggests after a diaper change or when your baby wakes from a nap.
Ideas that help
- Start on your chest. Lean back a little and let your baby lie tummy-down on you. Lifting their head to see your face is good practice.
- Get down to their level. Lie on the floor facing your baby, and talk or sing. Your face is often the most interesting thing in the room.
- Give them something to look at. The AAP suggests placing a toy, or yourself, within reach.
- Share it around. Grandparents, older brothers and sisters and helpers can all do a session. It's a good way for the whole family to play with the baby.
- Stop before the tears. If your baby gets upset, pick them up and try again later in the day.
If your baby doesn't like it
Many babies protest at first. Keep sessions very short, try on your chest instead of the floor, and count every minute: a minute here and there adds up over the day. The AAP's advice is to increase the time gradually as your baby shows they enjoy it.
If you have any worries about how your baby moves or holds their head, mention them to your doctor or health visitor at the next check-up, or sooner if you're concerned.
Tracking tummy time in Palna
- On the Today screen, find the Activities card.
- Tap Tummy timer to start the clock. Put the phone down and play.
- Tap Stop when you're done. The card adds it to Tummy time today.
Forgot to start the timer? Tap Activity on the same card, choose Tummy time, and enter when it started and how long it lasted. Past days shows earlier days. Everyone in your family sees the total on their own phone, so whoever does the next session knows how much your baby has had today. The Activities card also logs bath, play, outdoors, reading, massage and anything else you want to note.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org): Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play
- NHS: How to keep your baby or toddler active
- World Health Organization: Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age (2019)
- NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)