When to Start Tummy Time
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about when to start tummy time, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Tummy time can and should start from day one. The AAP recommends supervised tummy time from the first day home. For newborns, this can be as simple as placing baby on your chest while you recline, or brief sessions on a firm surface for 1-3 minutes several times a day. Tummy time is essential for developing head control, strengthening muscles, and preventing flat spots.
Key takeaways
- Tummy time can and should start from day one. The AAP recommends supervised tummy time from the first day home. For newborns, this can be as simple as placing baby on your chest while you recline, or brief sessions on a firm surface for 1-3 minutes several times a day. Tummy time is essential for developing head control, strengthening muscles, and preventing flat spots.
- Usually normal when: Baby fusses during tummy time but tolerates brief sessions
- Call your doctor if: Baby cannot lift head at all during tummy time by 3-4 months
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, tummy time can and should start from day one. The AAP recommends supervised tummy time from the first day home. For newborns, this can be as simple as placing baby on your chest while you recline, or brief sessions on a firm surface for 1-3 minutes several times a day. Tummy time is essential for developing head control, strengthening muscles, and preventing flat spots. At 0-1 month, tummy time can begin right away, even with the umbilical cord stump still attached. For newborns, the easiest tummy time is chest-to-chest with a parent while reclined (which also promotes bonding and skin-to-skin contact). You can also place baby on a firm, flat surface for brief periods (1-3 minutes) several times per day while awake and supervised. Most newborns initially dislike tummy time because it is hard work for them. Keep sessions short and frequent. Getting down to eye level and talking to your baby can help. It is generally considered normal when baby fusses during tummy time but tolerates brief sessions. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if baby cannot lift head at all during tummy time by 3-4 months.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Tummy time can begin right away, even with the umbilical cord stump still attached. For newborns, the easiest tummy time is chest-to-chest with a parent while reclined (which also promotes bonding and skin-to-skin contact). You can also place baby on a firm, flat surface for brief periods (1-3 minutes) several times per day while awake and supervised. Most newborns initially dislike tummy time because it is hard work for them. Keep sessions short and frequent. Getting down to eye level and talking to your baby can help.
1-3 months
Gradually increase tummy time to 10-15 minutes several times per day, aiming for a total of about 30-60 minutes daily by 3 months. Your baby should be lifting their head briefly and turning it from side to side. Using colorful toys, mirrors, and your face as motivation helps keep baby engaged.
3-6 months
Your baby should be able to hold their head up well during tummy time and may start pushing up on forearms (mini push-ups). Longer sessions are tolerated, and many babies begin to enjoy tummy time as they gain strength.
6-12 months
Tummy time transitions into floor play, rolling, crawling preparation, and eventually crawling itself. The strength built during tummy time is foundational for all gross motor milestones.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed when to start tummy time and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby absolutely refuses tummy time and cries intensely every time.
- Mention if no head lifting during tummy time by 2 months.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Baby fusses during tummy time but tolerates brief sessions
- Gradual increase in tolerance and ability over weeks
- Baby can lift head briefly by 1-2 months
- Head control improves with regular practice
- Baby absolutely refuses tummy time and cries intensely every time
- No head lifting during tummy time by 2 months
- You need ideas to make tummy time more tolerable
- Baby cannot lift head at all during tummy time by 3-4 months
- Baby seems extremely floppy or stiff during tummy time
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice when to start tummy time — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that baby fusses during tummy time but tolerates brief sessions — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if baby cannot lift head at all during tummy time by 3-4 months.
Related Conditions
Head Lag (Head Flopping Backward) in Newborns
Head lag (the head flopping backward when baby is pulled to sitting) is completely normal in newborns and young infants because the neck muscles are still developing. Most babies begin to show some head control by 1-2 months and can hold their head steady by 4 months. Supporting your baby's head and neck during the first few months is essential.
Supporting Baby's Head and Neck
Supporting your newborn's head and neck is essential because their neck muscles are too weak to hold up their heavy head. Always support the head when holding, carrying, or moving your baby. Most babies develop good head control by 4 months. If your baby's head occasionally flops back briefly, it is very unlikely to cause harm.
Preventing Flat Spots on Baby's Head (Plagiocephaly)
Flat spots on a baby's head (positional plagiocephaly) are very common because newborn skulls are soft and malleable. Prevention strategies include regular tummy time when awake, alternating head position during sleep, and minimizing time in car seats and bouncers when not traveling. Most mild flat spots improve on their own as baby grows.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is when to start tummy time normal?
When should I call the doctor about when to start tummy time?
When is when to start tummy time normal?
What causes when to start tummy time?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about when to start tummy time?
Is when to start tummy time normal at 0-1 month?
Is when to start tummy time normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for when to start tummy time?
Does when to start tummy time go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss When to Start Tummy Time.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed when to start tummy time and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if baby absolutely refuses tummy time and cries intensely every time.
- Mention if no head lifting during tummy time by 2 months.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Baby absolutely refuses tummy time and cries intensely every time
- No head lifting during tummy time by 2 months
- You need ideas to make tummy time more tolerable
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Baby cannot lift head at all during tummy time by 3-4 months
- Baby seems extremely floppy or stiff during tummy time
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of when to start tummy time are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if baby cannot lift head at all during tummy time by 3-4 months.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
Head Lag (Head Flopping Backward) in Newborns
Head lag (the head flopping backward when baby is pulled to sitting) is completely normal in newborns and young infants because the neck muscles are still developing. Most babies begin to show some head control by 1-2 months and can hold their head steady by 4 months. Supporting your baby's head and neck during the first few months is essential.
Supporting Baby's Head and Neck
Supporting your newborn's head and neck is essential because their neck muscles are too weak to hold up their heavy head. Always support the head when holding, carrying, or moving your baby. Most babies develop good head control by 4 months. If your baby's head occasionally flops back briefly, it is very unlikely to cause harm.
Preventing Flat Spots on Baby's Head (Plagiocephaly)
Flat spots on a baby's head (positional plagiocephaly) are very common because newborn skulls are soft and malleable. Prevention strategies include regular tummy time when awake, alternating head position during sleep, and minimizing time in car seats and bouncers when not traveling. Most mild flat spots improve on their own as baby grows.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.