How Tummy Time looks different month by month
Tummy Time Skills
What Tummy Time should look like each month:
How do you know baby is making progress during Tummy Time? Check these abilities to ensure baby is continuing to develop.
At 2 weeks, baby is...
Using Tummy-to-Tummy, Tummy Down Carry, and Lap Soothe positions
Working towards Tummy Time on the floor
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 2 weeks!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Many parents like Tummy to Tummy for their newborn. This allows you to be face-to-face with baby and enjoy lots of baby cuddles!
At 1 month, baby is...
Turning head during Tummy Time
Attempting to lift head up – even if it’s only for a second
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 1 month!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Get down on the floor at baby’s eye level. Baby loves your face and voice!
At 2 months baby is...
Spending at least one minute in Tummy Time several times a day without becoming upset
Doing the majority of Tummy Time exercises on the floor
Possibly tilting their head to one side
Spending at least 15-30 minutes of Tummy Time per day by 2 months of age
While lying on tummy, lifts and holds head up
Watch to make sure they alternate tilting to both directions instead of always favoring one side, which may be a possible sign of positional torticollis
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 2 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Face baby different directions in their crib each night to help develop neck muscles by turning a different direction to look at you each morning.
At 3 months, baby is...
Beginning to put weight on arms, with elbows behind their shoulders at a 45 degree angle
Gaining head control and is able to lift head between 45 to 90 degrees, without tilting head to either side
Starting to visually track toys or rattles you move around during Tummy Time
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 3 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Place baby tummy down on an exercise ball, holding their sides for support. Slowly move the ball toward and away from you, allowing baby to lift and hold their head more easily
At 4 months, baby is...
Lifting head up 90 degrees and keeping their head centered
Pushing up on forearms and brings chest off floor. Elbows will be under their shoulders at a 90 degree angle or in front of shoulders.
Lifting head and moving neck to track toys, voices, and faces during Tummy Time
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 4 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Babies love faces—even their own! Use mirrors during Tummy Time to help keep them engaged and having fun.
At 5 months, baby is...
Beginning to push up on hands with straight elbows
Starting to move hands forward to reach for toys that are placed nearby
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 5 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Do baby push-ups. Place hands under baby’s chest and tummy, and use gentle lifting cues to get baby to push up on hands for brief periods.
At 6+ months, baby is...
Self-directing Tummy Time
Reaching and grabbing toys of different sizes while on tummy
Able to pivot in a circle while on stomach
Rolling from back to tummy and tummy to back
Starting to prefer being on their stomach. Being on their tummy allows them to play, move, and explore more easily.
While lying on tummy, pushes up on straight arms
Watch baby do Tummy Time at 6 months!
Expert Tummy Time tip: Encourage baby to practice rolling and moving while on their tummy. Use toys to keep them motivated!
