Tummy Time for Newborns, 1, 2, and 3 Months: A Simple Guide for New Moms
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If you’re a new mom preparing for a baby, I’m sure you’re realizing there’s a lot to learn. You’re not alone - I remember feeling that same mix of joy and overwhelm. One of the things I was unsure of as a first time mom was tummy time.
I had so many questions like:
When should I start tummy time with a newborn?
How much tummy time should a 2 month old be getting?
What are the best tummy time positions for a newborn?
What do I even do with my baby during tummy time?
This post will walk you through all of those questions - including benefits of tummy time, tummy time by month (0-3 months), how to do tummy time, and some simple tips to make it easier for both you and your baby. My goal is to help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed in this chapter of motherhood.
If you need some encouragement right now, here are some thoughts I wrote just for first time moms: Advice for New Moms.
What Is Tummy Time and Why It Matters
Tummy time is the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. It’s essential for your baby’s physical development, especially in the first few months.
Benefits of Tummy Time:
Strengthens your baby’s neck, back, arm, and shoulder muscles that support lifting up their head, crawling, and sitting up
Supports head control and motor skill development
Encourages crawling and rolling
Helps prevent flat spots on the back of the head (positional plagiocephaly)
Builds early coordination and body awareness
Whether you’re doing tummy time at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, or 3 months, even short sessions each day can make a big difference.
When to Start Tummy Time With a Newborn
You can (and should!) begin tummy time as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital.
Early tummy time doesn't need to be structured. Start with just a few minutes at a time and work up from there. The key is to make it part of your baby’s daily routine early on.
Tummy Time by Age: How Much and How Often?
Tummy Time for a Newborn (0–4 Weeks):
Start with 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times per day
Try placing baby on your chest or across your lap
Aim to increase the frequency gradually
Tummy Time at 1 Month:
Begin extending to 3-5 minutes per session
Use a soft mat, high-contrast toys, or a mirror to keep baby engaged
Tummy Time at 2 Months:
Aim for 10-15 minutes total per day, broken up into shorter sessions
Baby may start lifting their head higher and holding it up longer
Tummy Time at 3 Months:
Work toward 20-30 minutes per day (in small chunks)
Try more active tummy time exercises like reaching for toys or propping up on forearms
A good rule of thumb: start small and build up gradually. Even just a few extra minutes each day makes a big difference.
Bonding and Building Skills at 0-3 Months
Building a strong bond with your baby is one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood. Bonding is not only about creating a loving connection but also plays a vital role in your baby's emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
If you’re looking for simple yet meaningful activities to help you bond and build skills with your baby, or just want to reinforce your confidence that you’re doing the right things, make sure you grab a copy of my free Baby Play Starter Kit 0-3 Months!
Best Tummy Time Positions for Newborns
Tummy time doesn’t have to mean lying flat on the floor. Here are some gentle ways to start tummy time, even in the first few weeks:
Chest-to-chest: Lay back on a couch or bed and place baby on your chest. This was always my favorite way to do tummy time when baby was a few days to a few weeks old!
Across your lap: A comforting way to ease into tummy time. I also loved using this tummy time position for my newborn. This position is especially beneficial if your baby is having gas or tummy troubles as the pressure feels good on their tummy.
Football hold: Support baby’s chest in your arms. This position is really like holding a football.
Propped on a nursing pillow: Helps babies adjust to tummy time by reducing frustration. A nursing pillow, like the Boppy, helps baby have better visibility around them before they can lift they can really lift their head up.
On a play mat: Use a soft surface on the floor with interesting textures and visuals. I personally am more comfortable using a play mat for tummy time once baby is 1 to 3 months old so by this time they have a little more head control. I can then incorporate play with black and white high contrast books, a mirror, or the playmat toys.
How to Do Tummy Time With a Newborn
You don’t need to do anything fancy. Simply being present, talking to your baby, and making eye contact provides plenty of stimulation.
Here are some ways to keep tummy time engaging:
Place a high-contrast book or toy in front of your baby
Use a mirror so they can see their own reflection
Encourage reaching by placing a soft rattle nearby
Lay down next to them and talk, sing, or make silly faces
Tummy time isn’t the only thing that can feel confusing in the newborn stage. Sleep is another big one, especially when you're not sure what’s normal. Read this next: Newborn Sleep Habits (What Baby Prep Classes Won’t Teach You) - it breaks down what realistic sleep looks like in the early weeks and how to gently support healthy sleep habits from the start.
Make Tummy Time Easier and More Fun
Sometimes it’s challenging to know what you’re supposed to do with your newborn all day, or how you can support your baby’s development. If you're not sure how to keep tummy time interesting, or you just want some fun ways to bond with your baby in these early weeks, make sure you grab my free Baby Play Starter Kit: Simple Ways to Bond and Build Skills from 0 to 3 Months.
The Baby Play Starter Kit includes:
Simple tummy time activities for newborns to 3 month olds
Playtime tips to support motor skills and sensory development
Gentle ways to bond and connect during daily routines
Easy ideas that work at 2 months, 3 months, and even the newborn stage
Whether you have a 3 day old, 6 week old, or 3 month old, this guide with help you support your baby’s growth and early development. It’s especially helpful if you’re a first time mom! Click here to get your free Baby Play Starter Kit.
My Favorite Activities and Toys for Tummy Time
Here are a few items I personally used and loved during the early weeks:
Lovevery Play Gym: A high-quality play gym designed for 0–12 months. It encourages discovery and baby-led play without lights and noise. (I bought mine secondhand on Facebook Marketplace!) I love the versatility but also the simplicity of this play gym. It encourages your baby to explore, discover, and play on their own. I also think it's super cute and it’s neutral if you’re like me and get overstimulated by all the bright primary colored baby toys.
Tummy Time Water Mat: Develops fine motor skills and support hand-eye coordination
High Contrast Book: Perfect for visual tracking and keeping baby’s attention, supporting cognitive development
Rattle: Encourages reaching and grasping, an important milestone for baby
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Final Thoughts
Tummy time doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're doing tummy time with a 2 week old, a 1 month old, or figuring it out at 3 months, know that every little bit counts. Keep it short and sweet, follow your baby’s cues, and most importantly, just enjoy the moments of connection!
You're doing an amazing job, and your baby is learning every time you show up.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your free Baby Play Starter Kit - it’s a game-changer for building routines, confidence, and those early developmental skills.
