A healthy amount of tummy time varies from baby to baby. Your baby may be ready for tummy time straight away! However, some babies are ready sooner and some later.
The Australian Government's Health Department recommends up to 30 minutes per day from birth to 12 months old. This can be spaced out throughout the day, a few minutes several times a day, building up duration as they become more comfortable and strengthen their skills.
READ MORE: The Importance of Tummy Time for Babies: A Comprehensive Guide
Here are some tips for getting your baby started with tummy time.
Start early
Start practicing with your baby as soon as you can — even before he or she can roll over on his or her own. Tummy time will help your baby develop strong neck muscles and good head control that will make it easier for him or her to sit up independently when the time comes.
Keep it short at first
Try doing 1 to 2 minutes of tummy time at a time, and gradually increase the amount of time as your baby gets stronger (aiming for 10 minutes at least three times a day, by around 4 months old).
Practice regularly throughout the day
Try doing small amounts of tummy time whenever you’re near your baby — while feeding him or her, changing diapers, reading books together or playing games — so that it becomes part of your daily routine.
A padded linen play mat is the perfect on the go mat to help make tummy time through the day easier. With its drawstring storage bag, it's easy to carry, pull out, pack down and store away no matter where you are.
