Why Tummy Time Matters: Practical Tips for Parents

We’re diving into a powerful but often misunderstood topic: tummy time. You’ve heard it before—your pediatrician probably mentioned it, your mom-friend probably stressed over it—but let’s talk about why it’s important, how to make it easier, and what it’s really doing for your baby.

Why Tummy Time Matters: Practical Tips for Parents

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Prefer to listen on the go? Catch the full episode here:
👉 Navigating Parenthood Podcast: Tummy Time Tips & Tricks

⏱️ Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Intention
  Why this podcast exists and what we’re diving into today
• 01:10 – Grounding Breath & Movement Prompt
  A moment to connect and get centered
• 01:34 – What’s Going On This Month
  Babywearing Week and its connection to tummy time
• 02:52 – What Is Tummy Time, Really?
  Understanding the term and different versions of tummy time
• 04:00 – Tummy Time & Head Shape
  Gravity, cranium development, and common myths
• 06:09 – Tummy Time and Gut Strength
  Preparing for solids, crawling, and sensory development
• 07:42 – Crawling, Retained Reflexes, and Developmental Flags
  How skipping milestones can impact long-term learning
• 10:09 – When & How to Do Tummy Time
  Real-life ways to incorporate tummy time easily and gently
• 12:34 – How Long Should It Be?
  Why 5 seconds counts and building from there
• 13:40 – Tips for Body Tension & Modifications
  When to seek bodywork and why safety & comfort come first
• 15:00 – Closing
  Encouragement, next steps, and how to connect

It’s Not Just Tummy Time—It’s Foundational Development

The term “tummy time” is so common it’s practically the Kleenex of baby care. But it’s not just a buzzword. Tummy time (also known as belly time or floor time) plays a crucial role in helping your baby develop strength, motor skills, and even gut readiness for solid foods.

And here’s the thing: babywearing counts, too! That upright positioning supports baby’s development in its own way. But while babywearing is excellent “vertical tummy time,” it doesn’t replace the unique benefits of laying baby flat on their tummy where gravity works in a completely different way on head shape and muscle development.

Why Tummy Time Really Matters

Let’s break it down:

• Head Shape & Cranial Development
  Babies are born with soft, unfused cranial bones (think tectonic plates). This flexibility helps them pass through the birth canal, but it also means their head shape can shift depending on positioning during the early months. Tummy time helps avoid flat spots and promotes natural alignment.
• Torticollis, Oral Ties & Positioning Patterns
  Sometimes your baby’s head shape or preference for turning one direction is due to in-utero positioning, birth trauma, or oral restrictions. Tummy time gives their bodies a chance to stretch and strengthen in new ways — especially with guided support like craniosacral therapy or chiropractic care.
• Core Strength & Gut Health
  Did you know tummy time builds more than muscles? It also helps strengthen the abdominal wall and gut, laying the foundation for solid food readiness. Crawling, reaching, sitting—all begin with time spent on the tummy.
• Sensory & Cognitive Development
  Reaching for toys, pushing up to look around, tracking faces—these little actions during tummy time help build the sensory and neural pathways needed for reading, focus, and even emotional regulation later on.

What If My Baby Hates Tummy Time?

You’re not alone. Many babies feel uncomfortable in tummy time — this is a sign that they have tesnion in the body and need the help of a CST. But that doesn’t mean to avoid tummy time altogether. Here’s the good news: even 5 seconds counts. Ad little moments of tummy time throughout the day and it adds up.

Try These Practical Ways to Fit It In:

• Skin-to-skin on your chest
  Great for newborns and builds vagal tone (calming the nervous system).
• Babywearing
  Upright tummy time that still supports neck and core development.
• Over your lap
  Change angles for comfort and interest. This includes on your lap, using a rolled towel or using a pillow/Boppy (parent always present with baby)
• Face-to-face time on the floor
  Sing, hum, or just make silly faces. One toy at a time is plenty to avoid overstimulation.
• Use a mirror or sibling entertainment
  Babies love looking at themselves or watching siblings play.
• In the wagon or stroller (while stationary!)
  A safe, supervised setup during speech therapy or sibling activities.
• Rocking motion on a yoga ball with baby on your legs
  Soothing, fun, and great for bonding and core control.
• Upside-down Tummy Time
  A modified “Guppy Pose” where baby stretches off your legs (while you are seated) to their comfort level.

Want to see how tummy time progresses to crawling?

Share & Connect

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You’re doing amazing, and every second of tummy time adds up.