Navigating Tummy Time: Milestones Month by Month
Quick Insight:
Mummy and Daddy, do you ever wonder if we're doing our tummy time right? I know it's easy to worry that we're not doing something right, especially when I don't seem too excited about it ???? The secret behind tummy time lies in the method's changing as I grow. At the start, purely focusing on comfort; then it paves the way to strength building and mobility
Dive into this guide, inspired by paediatric occupational therapist Rachel Coley, for a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect during tummy time. For a deeper dive, the Activity Kit 1 & Monthly learning Montessori box 5 featuring The Tummy Time Toys, is a fantastic resource.
Tummy Time at 0–2 Months
Objective: Comfort and Initial Engagement
- Body Position: Mummy, you’ll notice I have a slightly rounded back, with my arms bent and tucked close, hands near my shoulders, and knees under my hips.
- Head Movement: Expect mostly downward head positioning, with brief, effortful lifts and turns.
- Mobility Hints: Watch for crawling or pushing motions with my feet and comfort lying on either cheek.
Tips for Early Days: If tummy time on the floor isn't a hit, consider alternative setups for a happier experience.
Tummy Time at 3–5 Months
Objective: Strengthening Core Muscles
- Legs and Belly: I’ll start to straighten my legs, bringing my lower belly into contact with the surface.
- Elbow Use: You'll find me using my elbows as a base of support, under or in front of my shoulders.
- Head Control: I'll be lifting my head to 45 degrees and working toward 90 degrees. I'll work to do this by keeping my head in midline and looking around without bobbing my head.
Engagement and Comfort: This phase focuses on enhancing head, neck, and upper body strength, crucial for my next developmental leaps.
Tummy Time at 5–7 Months
Objective: Exploring and Interacting
- Upper Body Lift: I’ll press through my forearms to lift my chest and begin to push up through straight arms briefly.
- Active Movement: Expect “swimming” or “flying” motions with my arms and legs lifted, rocking back and forth.
- Toy Interaction: I’ll reach for, grab, and play with toys placed nearby, showing increased interest and interaction.
Skill Building: The emphasis is on continuing muscle strengthening and encouraging playful exploration.
Tummy Time at 6–10 Months
Objective: Mobility and Independence- Crawling: Look out for belly crawling as a means to move forwards or backwards.
- Advanced Positions: I may get up onto my hands and knees, attempt planks, and slightly lift my belly and hips off the floor.
- Sitting Transitions: You’ll see transitions from belly to sitting, using hands and knees for support.
What’s Next: I can lift my head when placed on my tummy and I can support myself in sitting and crawling, the need for structured tummy time diminishes. However, floor play remains essential for continued early development.
When to Wrap Up Tummy Time
Once I can independently get into and out of a sitting position or begin crawling, you can move on from dedicated tummy time sessions. That said, continue offering plenty of opportunities for floor play to support my ongoing growth.
Looking for More?: Our tummy time FAQs at www.tinyvers.com have more information on tummy time and also some help with what to do if things are not going well. Keep in mind when I am doing tummy time, you must be with me so that it remains safe, and you can be sure I am learning safely. If you are looking for the best toys for newborn, check them out.