Tummy time without tears: positioning and playful progressions - post

What is tummy time, and why does it #matter?

Tummy time is when a baby is placed on their stomach while awake and watched closely by an adult. It helps babies practice important skills, like:

• Lifting and turning the head 
• Strengthening neck, shoulder, and back muscles
• Getting ready to roll, sit, and crawl
• Reducing pressure on the back of the head (flat spots)

In child care, tummy time also supports #early-learning. Babies see new views, reach for toys, and begin to explore. 

How can you keep tummy time #safe every time? 

Safety comes first. Use these simple rules:

• Only when the baby is awake and supervised. Stay close and watch the baby’s face and breathing.
• Use a firm, flat surface (like a clean mat on the floor).
• Keep the area clear (no pillows, loose blankets, or soft items near the face).
• If the baby falls a #sleep, move them to a safe sleep space on their back.

Also, follow your program’s safe sleep policy and licensing rules. Safe sleep and tummy time are connected: babies #play on their tummy when awake, and they sleep on their back. 

When should you try tummy time during the day?

Timing matters. Tummy time often goes best when babies are calm and comfortable.

Try tummy time:

• After a diaper change (a natural routine moment)
• After a short cuddle or story
• After baby has been awake for a little bit

Avoid tummy time:

• Right after feeding (wait a bit if baby spits up easily)
• When baby is very hungry or very tired

What are “no-tears” tummy time positions you can start with?

Some babies cry because the floor position feels hard at first. Start with easier choices, then build up.

Here are gentle positions (great for beginners):

• Chest-to-chest: Baby lies on your chest while you lean back slightly. Baby lifts head to look at you.
• Lap tummy time: Baby lies across your lap on their tummy. Support the head if needed.
• Tummy on a rolled towel: Place a small rolled towel under the baby’s chest (arms forward). This can make lifting the head easier.
• Side-lying play (a break option): Baby lies on their side with a toy in front. This still builds muscle and gives a rest.

A helpful tip: Get down at the baby’s eye level. Your face is the best “toy” at the start.

How do you turn tummy time into play?

Tummy time should feel like a game, not a workout. Keep it simple:

• Use a small mirror so baby can see their face
• Offer high-contrast cards (black/white images)
• Place one toy in front—then slightly to the side to encourage turning the head
• Sing a short song (30–60 seconds)
• Use “talking coaching” like: “I see you lifting your head!”

You can also do a “tummy time sandwich”:

1. 30 seconds tummy time
2. cuddle and calm
3. 30 seconds tummy time again

That pattern builds trust. #tummytime

What are #playful progressions you can use as babies grow?

Babies #develop at different #speeds, so watch the child—not the calendar. But these progressions can help you plan.

Early stage (new to tummy time)

• Goal: comfort + short practice
• Try: chest-to-chest, lap, rolled towel support
• Look for: brief head lifts, calming with your voice

Growing stronger

• Goal: longer lifts + reaching
• Try: one toy in front, mirror play, gentle side-to-side reaching
• Look for: pushing up on forearms, turning head both ways

Getting ready to move

• Goal: weight shift + early crawling skills
• Try: toy slightly out of reach, tummy pivots, supported “mini push-ups”
• Look for: pushing up higher, scooting, rocking on hands/knees

A simple rule: End tummy time before the baby is fully upset. Stopping at the first signs of #stress helps the baby learn, “Tummy time is safe.”

What are stress signs, and what should you do? 

Crying can happen, but you want to respond early. Watch for:

• Face turning red
• Fast breathing or strong fussing
• Arms/legs stiffening
• Baby looking away and not returning attention

If you see these signs:

• Pick baby up and calm them
• Try a different position (like chest-to-chest)
• Try again later for a shorter time

If a baby has ongoing discomfort (for example, frequent reflux pain), talk with your director and the family about next steps and any guidance from the child’s #health provider.

How can #staff-stay consistent with tummy time routines?

Consistency lowers tears because babies know what to expect.

Try these teamwork ideas:

• Use the same tummy time routine in each infant room (same mat, same simple toy choices)
• Agree on safe setup rules (clear space, firm surface, always supervised)
• Track what works for each baby (2-minute note is enough)

Quick tracking ideas:

• “Best position today: chest-to-chest”
• “Preferred toy: mirror”
• “Tolerance: 2 x 45 seconds”

Sharing this with families also helps #parents feel confident doing tummy time at #home.

Which ChildCareEd training and resources can support you?

Here are training and materials that connect directly to safe infant care, active play, and routines:

Courses :

• Safe Sleep Training 
• SIDS: Saving Babies: A Change of Position, A Change in Tradition (Online) 
• Baby Play: Planning Infant and Toddler Activities 

Free ChildCareEd resource :

• Safe Sleep in Child Care poster (great for infant rooms and staff reminders) 

Related ChildCareEd article:

• From Tummy Time to Safe Sleep: SIDS and Safe Sleep Online Training for MD Childcare 

Where can you get more tips and ideas from ChildCareEd?

For quick activity ideas, #safety reminders, and training updates, follow ChildCareEd on social media.

• ChildCareEd on YouTube — follow for short videos and helpful training highlights.