Tummy Time by Age

Age	How much	What you may see
First days home - week 1	3-5 minutes, 2-3 times a day	Lifts head briefly, turns it side to side
Weeks 1-7	Build to 15-30 minutes total a day by 7 weeks (AAP)	Lifts head higher and longer
2-4 months	At least 30 minutes total a day, spread out (WHO)	Pushes up on forearms, head steadier, may start rolling
4-7 months	Plenty of floor play	Pushes up on straight arms, rolls both ways, pivots
Crawling	Floor play replaces set tummy time	Crawls and sits independently

Why

Builds neck, shoulder and core strength and helps prevent a flat spot on the head. Always awake, always watched: back to sleep, tummy to play.

How much, roughly

• First days home: 1-5 minutes, 2-3 times a day, often on a parent's chest or across a lap.
• Weeks 1-7: build up gradually to about 15-30 minutes total a day by around 7 weeks (AAP).
• 2-4 months: at least 30 minutes total, spread through the day (WHO), more if the baby enjoys it. Babies push up on forearms and hold their head steadier.
• 4-7 months: plenty of floor play; pushing up on straight arms, rolling both ways, pivoting.
• Once crawling, floor play takes over from set tummy time.

Making it easier

• Tummy-down on a reclined parent's chest counts.
• Across a lap, or a rolled towel under the chest and armpits.
• Get on the floor face to face, sing, or put a baby-safe mirror or high-contrast card in front.
• Try after a diaper change or nap, not right after a feed.
• Stop when the baby is upset and try again later; short and often beats long and tearful.

Keep it safe

A firm, clean spot on the floor, never a bed or couch. If the baby gets sleepy, move them to their back in their own sleep space. A flat spot that persists is worth raising at a checkup.