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Patient Questions  /  How much tummy time

Kids & Babies

How Much Tummy Time Does a Baby Need?

Start tummy time in the first days after you bring your baby home, a few minutes at a time, a few times a day, while your baby is awake and you are watching. Build up slowly as your baby gets stronger. The World Health Organization advises at least 30 minutes of tummy time a day, spread out, for babies who aren't moving around on their own yet.

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Why tummy time matters

The AAP advises placing babies on their backs for every sleep, because it lowers the risk of SIDS. Awake tummy time balances out all that time on the back. It:

  • Builds neck, shoulder, arm and back strength for rolling, sitting and crawling.
  • Takes pressure off the back of the head, which helps prevent flat spots.
  • Helps babies practice turning their head both ways.

Making it work day to day

  • Short and often. Try it after diaper changes or when your baby wakes up.
  • Not right after a feed, when a full tummy can make it uncomfortable.
  • It all counts. Time lying tummy-down on your chest or across your lap is tummy time too.
  • Use a firm, flat surface, like a blanket on the floor, and get down at eye level.
  • Awake and watched only. If your baby falls asleep, move them onto their back in their crib.

If your baby fusses, see My baby hates tummy time. What can I do?

When to see a doctor

Talk with your pediatrician if your baby:

  • Can't lift their head during tummy time by about 2 months
  • Isn't pushing up on their forearms during tummy time by about 4 months
  • Always turns their head the same way, or has a head tilt
  • Is developing a flat spot on the head
  • Cries hard during tummy time and also spits up a lot, arches their back or struggles with feeding

How physical therapy at ARI can help

If tummy time is a struggle, a pediatric physical therapist can find out why, such as a tight neck or weak muscles, and show you positions that make it easier. Visits are one-on-one with you involved, you get a home program, and we coordinate with your pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026