How to Make Tummy Time Fun for Your Baby
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How to Make Tummy Time Fun for Your Baby
Tummy time is essential. Your baby's opinion of it? Often less enthusiastic. The good news: there are proven ways to make tummy time something your baby actually enjoys — or at least tolerates without protest.
Why Babies Resist Tummy Time
Tummy time is hard work. Newborns have very little neck and shoulder strength, so lifting their head feels like a massive effort. The frustration is real — and completely normal. The goal is to make the experience positive enough that baby builds tolerance and, eventually, enjoyment.
10 Ways to Make Tummy Time Fun
1. Get Down on Their Level
Lie on the floor face-to-face with your baby. Talk, sing, make silly faces. Your face is the most interesting thing in your baby's world — use it. Eye contact and interaction make tummy time feel like play, not exercise.
2. Use a Mirror
Babies are fascinated by faces — including their own. Place a baby-safe mirror in front of them during tummy time. The reflection holds their attention and encourages them to lift their head.
3. Try a Slight Incline
A gentle incline makes tummy time easier for newborns because it reduces the effort needed to lift their head. The Avera Baby Space has a gentle built-in incline that's perfect for early tummy time — baby gets the developmental benefits with less frustration.
4. Use Colourful Toys
Place a bright, high-contrast toy just out of reach in front of baby. The motivation to reach for it encourages head lifting and arm strengthening. Black and white patterns are especially effective for newborns whose vision is still developing.
5. Tummy Time on You
Place baby tummy-down on your chest while you recline. Your warmth, heartbeat, and scent are deeply calming. This counts as tummy time and is often the easiest starting point for newborns.
6. Sing and Narrate
Your voice is your baby's favourite sound. Sing songs, narrate what you're doing, or just talk to them during tummy time. It keeps them engaged and makes the session feel shorter.
7. Use a Rolled Towel for Support
Place a small rolled towel under baby's chest (not under their head) to give them a slight lift. This reduces the effort needed and helps reluctant tummy-timers build confidence.
8. Time It Right
Do tummy time when baby is alert and happy — not tired, hungry, or right after a feed. A content baby will tolerate tummy time much better than a grumpy one.
9. Keep Sessions Short and Frequent
Five 2-minute sessions spread through the day are more effective — and more enjoyable — than one 10-minute session. End each session before baby gets frustrated, not after.
10. Use a Breathable, Comfortable Surface
A hot, scratchy, or uncomfortable surface makes tummy time worse. A breathable 3D mesh surface like the Avera Baby Space keeps baby cool and comfortable — removing one more reason to protest.
Celebrate Every Win
Every second of tummy time counts. Celebrate head lifts, arm pushes, and even just tolerating the position. Your enthusiasm is contagious — and it makes baby more willing to try again next time.