As parents, we all know that we should be doing tummy time with our babies. We know it helps get them to lift their neck up and make them stronger. However, do you really know the benefits of tummy time for babies? Do you know how much to do? How to do it?

Tummy time is more than just a strength exercise for babies and instead is an important part in their development. 

At our innerbloom chiropractic, we talk tummy time a lot! We see first-hand how this simple daily activity helps babies build strong bodies, develop healthy posture, and support healthy brain and nervous system development. Let’s explore why tummy time for babies matters and how chiropractic care can make it easier and more effective for your baby.

Tummy time for babies encourages them to lift their head, push through their arms, and explore their surroundings — all of which strengthen important postural and developmental muscles.

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian National Movement Guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes of tummy time each day for infants under six months. Short sessions spaced throughout the day work best. I.e. we don’t expect many young babies to do 30 minutes of tummy time in one burst – there muscles simply don’t have that endurance. 

Short bursts multiple times throughout the day is preferred. 

A Brief History: The “Back to Sleep” Campaign

In the early 1990s, the Back to Sleep campaign successfully reduced Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by encouraging parents to place babies on their backs to sleep.

While lifesaving, this change led to an increase in babies developing flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and taking longer to reach motor milestones such as rolling, sitting, and crawling. Why? Because babies were spending less time strengthening their neck, shoulder, and back muscles on their tummies.

That’s why dedicated tummy time for babies during awake periods is so important — it restores the natural balance of movement and development.

How Tummy Time Helps Baby Development

1. Builds Neck, Shoulder, and Back Strength

When your baby lifts their head or pushes up during tummy time, they activate key muscles through their neck, shoulders, and spine. These muscles help them to initially hold their head up and eventually assist in movements such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually to walk.

Strong postural muscles developed in infancy can also support better spinal alignment and posture as your child grows — reducing the likelihood of slouching, tension, and spinal issues later in life.

2. Promotes Healthy Brain and Nervous System Development

Tummy time stimulates your baby’s visual and sensory systems, helping the brain build connections responsible for balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

When a baby lifts their head, their vestibular and proprioceptive systems (the senses that tell the brain where the body is in space) become activated. This helps lay the foundation for movement, learning, and fine motor skills.

Try using mirrors, toys, or colourful books to keep your baby engaged. Singing or chatting while they’re on their tummy adds extra sensory and social benefits.

3. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome

Babies’ skulls are soft and can develop flat spots when they spend too much time lying on their backs. Regular tummy time helps distribute pressure evenly across the skull and supports a more rounded head shape.

Babywearing and holding your baby in varied positions can also help reduce pressure on the same area of the head.

Creative Ways to Make Tummy Time for Babies Fun

• Lay face-to-face with your baby and talk or sing.

   

• Use a mirror — babies love looking at their reflection.

   

• Rest your baby on your chest or across your forearm (“tummy carry”).

   

• Try ball rocking — gently roll your baby forward and back on a large exercise ball to build balance and muscle activation (as a Chiropractor this is my favourite way to do tummy time!)

   

• Place toys just out of reach to encourage reaching, rolling, and movement.

   

These moments not only help with strength and coordination but also deepen your connection with your baby.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Babies During Tummy Time

As paediatric chiropractors, we often see babies who dislike tummy time because of restricted neck movement, muscle tightness, or discomfort. Gentle chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue techniques can help restore normal movement and ease any tension that may be holding your baby back.

Improved spinal and neck mobility often leads to better comfort during tummy time — and faster progress through developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting, and crawling.

When to Seek Advice

If your baby:

• Avoids turning their head one way,

• Shows flattening on one side of their head,

• Cries every time they’re placed on their tummy, or

• Seems delayed in reaching movement milestones,

…it may be helpful to book a chiropractic assessment.

Dr Alana and Dr Rebecca are trained in paediatric chiropractic care. We love helping families support their baby’s growth naturally, safely, and effectively.

Final Thoughts: Small Moments, Big Impact

Tummy time for babies might seem like a small part of your child’s routine, but it’s a powerful tool for healthy spinal, muscular, and neurological development. By making it part of your daily play — and getting help from your chiropractor if needed — you’ll be setting your baby up for stronger posture, better coordination, and a healthy nervous system for life.

Tummy time today = a stronger, happier, healthier child tomorrow.

Want more chiropractic tips?

1. Head on over to our blog to learn more about Chiropractic 
2. Email us at admin@innerbloomchiropractic.com.au with any questions
3. Call the practice on 9720 0777 to speak to a chiropractor or book an appointment