Troubleshooting Tummy Time

Tummy time plays an essential role in your baby’s development, but if your little one struggles with it, they’re far from alone! Before they build the strength to be able to lift their own head, working against gravity can be uncomfortable and difficult. Still, it’s important for your baby to get enough tummy time every day so that they can lay the foundation for all gross motor skills. Here’s everything you want to know about tummy time, as well as common challenges that parents face and their solutions.

What is tummy time?

Tummy time is the time that your baby spends on their belly while awake and supervised. Being in this prone position helps them develop the muscles that they need to eventually hold up their head, roll, crawl, and sit. 

When should my baby start doing tummy time?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies start doing tummy time the first day they come home from the hospital! The earlier they start, the better they’ll be able to adjust to being on their stomach. 

What if my baby can only tolerate a little bit of tummy time?

In the first few weeks of life, your baby will only be able to tolerate a few minutes on their belly at a time. Break tummy time up into as many sessions as they need throughout the day, and work their way up to longer sessions as their strength and tolerance grows. Here’s how long your baby should spend doing tummy time, by age:

• 0-1 month: 10 to 15 minutes a day (usually a few minutes at a time)

• 1-2 months: 15 to 30 minutes a day

• 3 months: 30 to 60 minutes a day

• 4 months and older: 60 to 90 minutes a day

What if my baby cries during tummy time?

Crying during tummy time is normal, but you may be able to make their environment comfortable enough to stop the tears. 

Make sure your baby’s play mat is soft and well-padded, especially if you have hardwood floors. This Toki Kids play mat is made from a thick, non-toxic latex foam that has a squishy, marshmallow-like feel. This is a popular play mat for many families who report that their babies tolerate tummy time better when on the mat. 

If your baby is still resistant to tummy time, even with a soft and comfortable play mat, try distracting them with their favorite toys. Use musical instruments, a mirror, or toys designed to help babies through tummy time, to keep them engaged.

What if my baby doesn’t lift their head during tummy time?

If your little one struggles to get their head up, they may benefit from a little boost! This support pillow from Toki Kids is the perfect size to wedge under their chest and give them a little help against gravity. Being able to look up with less effort usually keeps them interested and motivated to continue raising their head. This may also help prevent tears and lengthen their tummy time session!

What if my baby spits up during tummy time?

If your baby has reflux or just has a full belly after feeding, they may spit up when placed on their tummy. If your baby is happy and healthy, a little bit of spit-up shouldn’t be a cause for concern or a reason to avoid tummy time—although it can be a hassle to clean up. Consider using a waterproof play mat like the vegan leather Toki mat, so you can simply wipe clean and continue the tummy time session.

Try to move tummy time at least 20 minutes after a feed, so that your baby has time to digest their milk and you can avoid having to clean any spit-up. Always speak to your child’s healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about this issue.