Playing with your baby (0-2 months)

Playing with your baby

Playing with your baby is important for their development.

How to do tummy time?

Tummy time is an important activity. To do it:

1. Put your baby on their stomach on a firm, flat surface like the floor or a playmat (not a bed or couch).
2. Let your baby put their weight on their forearms.
3. Make sure your baby is awake and you are watching.
4. Stay nearby and watch your baby during tummy time.

When to start tummy time?

Start tummy time soon after birth for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly increase to 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.

You can start tummy time by holding your baby on your chest, lap or on a firm change table while changing your baby’s nappy.

Why is tummy time good for your baby?

Tummy time builds your baby's muscles and neck strength. It helps them learn to roll and crawl (coordination). Tummy time also prevents flat spots on the back of your baby's head (plagiocephaly).

Tummy time helps them gain the strength to push up, roll over, sit up, crawl, walk and then run.

Tummy time reduces the risk of SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infancy).

It also lets your baby see and experience the world from a different point of view.

What to do if your baby gets upset during tummy time?

If your baby seems distressed or upset during tummy time, try:

• making tummy time shorter
• changing the time you do tummy time (such as sooner or later after a feed)
• putting baby on your chest while you recline (lean backwards, such as when you’re beginning to lie flat on a bed), then slowly go back until baby is horizontal or lying flat

Activities you can try:

• tummy time, 2 to 4 times throughout the day for 1 to 2 minutes
• lying on your back next to the baby on a playmat
• going for a walk with your baby in the pram (then you can get your exercise too)
• singing a song or reading a story.

Find out more about tummy time here: 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/play-learning/play-ideas/tummy-time