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Start tummy time in the first days at home, as long as your baby is awake and someone is watching. Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines suggest at least 30 minutes of tummy time a day for babies who aren't crawling yet, spread out across the day. You don't need to start with 30 minutes in one go. A minute or two on your chest after a diaper change counts, and you add a little each day. Prices are in CAD.
Why tummy time matters
Babies sleep on their backs, which is the safest way for them to sleep. That means they spend a lot of time with pressure on the back of the head and not much time working the muscles on the back of the body. HealthLink BC says tummy time helps prevent flat spots on the head and strengthens the neck, back and arm muscles your baby will use to roll over and crawl.
When to start
HealthLink BC says you can start when your baby is a newborn. Early sessions look nothing like a baby propped up on a mat. Lying tummy-down on your chest while you recline, or across your lap, is tummy time too, and it's often the easiest place to begin.
How long, and how often
- The daily goal. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines suggest at least 30 minutes of tummy time a day for babies who aren't mobile yet, spread through the day while they're awake.
- Short and often. HealthLink BC suggests several short sessions a day. Tying them to something you already do, like each diaper change, makes them easier to remember.
- Build up slowly. Add about a minute a day. Stop when your baby has had enough and try again later.
The same guidelines say babies shouldn't be restrained for more than an hour at a time, for example in a stroller or high chair, and that screen time isn't recommended before age 1. Floor time is the other half of the picture.
Positions to try
- On your chest. Recline a little and lay your baby tummy-down on your chest. Your face is right there, which gives them a reason to lift their head.
- Across your lap. Lay your baby across your knees with a hand on their back.
- On the floor. Use a firm, flat surface, such as a play mat on the floor. HealthLink BC suggests a rolled towel under the chest if your baby needs a little lift.
Choose the floor over a bed or sofa, and pick a spot away from pets and older siblings' small toys.
If your baby hates tummy time
Lots of babies fuss at first. HealthLink BC's suggestions:
- Get down to your baby's eye level so they have a face to look at.
- Talk and sing to them.
- Put a baby mirror or a few colourful toys in front of them.
- Keep sessions short and stop before they're upset, then try again later in the day.
Rattles and books give your baby something to look at and reach for. Our guides to baby rattles and board books explain the options. Stand a board book open in front of your baby, or lie down facing them and read it aloud.
Tummy time and safe sleep
Tummy time is for when your baby is awake and someone is watching. HealthLink BC says babies should sleep on their back for every sleep, on a firm, flat surface. If your baby dozes off during tummy time, turn them onto their back and move them to their crib or bassinet. Swaddling works the same way: it's for sleep, not for tummy time, and our swaddling guide explains when to stop.
A surface for floor time
A clean, firm floor is all you need. A mat makes it more comfortable and gives you a spot you can set up anywhere in the house. The Baby Care Multi Mat ($89.99) is cushioned and non-slip, and it folds up for carrying to a grandparent's place. Our guide to play mats vs activity gyms compares the two if you're also thinking about hanging toys for when your baby is on their back.
If you're worried about how your baby is moving, or you notice a flat spot that isn't getting better, ask your doctor or public health nurse. In BC you can call 8-1-1 any time. In Ontario, call Health811 at 811 for free advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day.
Prices were current when we wrote this. Play mats, rattles and board books are also at our Richmond, Burnaby and Ottawa stores. If you'd like to see a particular mat, call the store ahead of your visit to check.
