If you’ve ever wondered why your baby’s teachers at Big Hearts, Little Hands spend time laying infants on their bellies, you’re not alone! “Tummy Time” may look simple, but it’s one of the most important activities for your baby’s physical and brain development. Whether your baby is 6 weeks or 6 months, supervised time on their tummy helps build the foundation for everything from rolling and crawling to sitting and walking.
Let’s explore why tummy time matters, how our daycare teachers make it safe and engaging, and what you can do at home to support your child’s growth.
Why Tummy Time Matters
In the first year of life, babies grow and change at an incredible rate. Tummy time gives them a chance to use muscles that will soon help them meet major milestones. When your baby spends time on their stomach while awake and supervised, they are:
- Strengthening their neck, shoulders, back, and arms
- Developing core muscles needed for crawling and sitting
- Promoting motor coordination and balance
- Preventing flat spots on the back of the head
- Encouraging visual development, as babies learn to lift and turn their heads to explore the world around them
At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we often call tummy time “baby exercise.” Just like adults need movement to stay strong, babies need safe opportunities to move against gravity. Over time, you’ll notice your baby lifting higher, pushing up on their arms, and smiling proudly at the view!
How ABC Daycare Practices Tummy Time Safely
Safety and comfort are our top priorities. Each baby’s tummy time routine is customized to match their developmental stage and mood.
Here’s how our teachers make tummy time safe and fun:
- Supervised Every Second: Babies are always awake and watched closely during tummy time. Teachers stay within arm’s reach to encourage and engage.
- Soft, Clean Surfaces: We use play mats, blankets, or low baby gyms on the floor for safe, stable positioning.
- Short and Sweet Sessions: We start with just 1–2 minutes at a time for new infants and gradually increase to 10–15 minutes total throughout the day.
- Interactive Play: Teachers talk, sing, or use colorful toys and mirrors to keep babies interested. A smiling face or gentle voice helps make tummy time feel fun and secure.
- Variety of Positions: For younger babies who are still adjusting, teachers sometimes lay them on their tummy across an adult’s chest or lap—this gives similar benefits with extra comfort and closeness.
By keeping tummy time positive, our teachers help babies build strength and confidence—two important parts of early learning.
How to Do Tummy Time at Home
Parents often ask, “When should I start tummy time?” The answer is: as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital! Even newborns can benefit from very short sessions—just a minute or two on your chest counts.
Here are a few simple ways to make tummy time part of your home routine:
- Start Slow and Build Up: Place your baby on a clean, firm surface after a diaper change or nap. Begin with 2–3 sessions a day, working toward a total of about 20–30 minutes by 3 months.
- Make It Playful: Lie down face-to-face, talk, sing, or show toys. Babies love to see your expressions—it motivates them to lift their heads and engage.
- Add Texture and Color: Use high-contrast mats, crinkle blankets, or soft toys to make tummy time more interesting. Mirrors are a favorite—they help babies recognize faces and encourage curiosity.
- Keep It Comfortable: Wait at least 15–20 minutes after feeding to avoid tummy discomfort. If your baby gets fussy, try shorter bursts throughout the day.
- Stay Close and Cheer Them On: Your encouragement means everything! Smile, clap, and talk them through their little “workouts.” The more positive it feels, the longer they’ll enjoy it.
When to Call It a Win
Tummy time should feel like a happy challenge, not a struggle. You’ll start to notice exciting changes:
- By 2 months: Baby can lift their head briefly and turn side to side
- By 4 months: Baby can hold their head up steadily and push onto elbows
- By 6 months: Baby is reaching, pivoting, and maybe even rolling!
Remember, all babies develop at their own pace. Consistent, loving practice both at home and at daycare makes all the difference.
How Big Hearts, Little Hands Partners with Families
At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we believe growth happens best when families and caregivers work together. Our infant teachers communicate daily about each child’s progress and comfort with tummy time. We share tips, demonstrate positions, and celebrate those exciting “first lifts” and rolls.
We also make tummy time social! Babies often enjoy being near their peers—seeing another baby move can spark curiosity and motivation. This shared environment builds both physical strength and early social awareness.
When you peek into our infant room, you’ll see gentle encouragement, soft music, and smiling teachers creating a space where every baby feels supported to grow strong—one tummy session at a time.
Helpful Tools for Home
You don’t need fancy equipment, but a few simple tools can make tummy time easier:
- A non-slip play mat or blanket (try Skip Hop or Fisher-Price)
- A tummy time mirror or soft rattle to encourage lifting
- A rolled towel under the chest for added support in early weeks
Remember: Always place your baby on their back to sleep and on their tummy to play—that’s the safest and healthiest routine.
Tummy time is more than an exercise—it’s an act of love and encouragement. Every minute your baby spends exploring the world from their tummy builds physical strength, motor coordination, and curiosity about their environment.
At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we’re proud to partner with families to nurture these foundational skills in safe, joyful, and developmentally appropriate ways. Together, we can help your baby grow strong, confident, and ready to explore the world, one belly push-up at a time! Curious about how Big Hearts, Little Hands supports your baby’s growth and development every day? We’d love to show you our warm, nurturing infant classrooms in person.
👉 Schedule a tour today to learn more about our early learning programs and how we help every child reach their milestones with care and confidence.