Tummy Time Activities
Tummy Time is one of the earliest and most essential exercises for your baby!
This activity involves placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake, which plays a vital role in supporting their motor skills, vision, and sensory development.
You can start introducing Tummy Time from birth and continue incorporating it throughout your baby's first year.​
0-3 Months
Games/Activities
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Face-to-Face Time: Lie down on the floor at eye level with your baby. Your face will be one of the most fascinating things for them to look at, and this close contact helps soothe any discomfort.
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Tummy Time on Your Chest: Place your baby on your chest while you recline, allowing them to use your body as a familiar and safe surface. This makes tummy time feel less intimidating for your baby.
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Mirror Play: Lay your baby on their tummy in front of an unbreakable mirror. Babies love looking at faces, and seeing their reflection can captivate their attention, helping them tolerate tummy time for longer.​​
4-6 Months
Games/Activities
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Reaching for Toys: Place colorful, lightweight toys just within reach to encourage your baby to reach out and practice their motor skills.
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Flying Baby: Hold your baby under their arms and gently lift them so they feel like they’re flying. This gives their neck and core a good workout as they instinctively try to balance their head.
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Toy Roll: Roll a soft toy or ball just out of reach, encouraging your baby to stretch and wiggle toward it. This is a great way to work on upper body strength and coordination.
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7-9 Months
Games/Activities
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Obstacle Course: Create a simple obstacle course with soft pillows or cushions that your baby can crawl over or around during tummy time. This helps enhance their problem-solving skills and coordination.
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Follow the Sound: Use a soft rattle or crinkly toy to grab your baby’s attention. Move it from side to side to encourage them to lift and turn their head, strengthening their neck muscles.
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Peek-a-Boo Crawl: Play peek-a-boo while crawling with your baby. This game can help them improve both their cognitive and physical abilities by enticing them to move toward you.
10-12 Months
Games/Activities
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Tunnel Fun: Set up a play tunnel or create one with blankets draped over furniture. Encourage your baby to crawl through the tunnel during tummy time for a fun challenge that develops motor skills.
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Push and Reach: Use push toys like a small cart or walker, encouraging your baby to push it while crawling or pulling up, promoting both tummy time and gross motor development.
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Climbing Challenges: Babies love to climb at this stage. Set up a few soft objects for them to crawl over and explore, which helps strengthen their muscles and coordination.
