Yes, your teeny newborn needs tummy time. But why?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supervised tummy time for full-term babies starting in the first week, as soon as your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off.

For newborns, success is a minute at a time, 2 to 3 sessions per day. If they start crying, it’s time for a break.

Here are some tips for newborn tummy time on the floor:

You can see Ayesha Curry’s adorable newborn doing tummy time here.

• Slowly roll your baby onto their tummy with arms tucked under their shoulders
• Newborns like to have their heads to one side while lying on their bellies, mimicking their position in the womb
• Offer your baby some high-contrast cards to look at while their head is to the side
• Periodically move your baby so their head rests on the opposite side; head-turning helps avoid flat spots and tight neck muscles
• As your baby gets stronger, place high-contrast cards in front of them so they work to see the images when lifting up their chin

Some ideas for newborn tummy time on you:

• Put your baby on your chest facing you, and softly talk to them to try to encourage them to lift their head
• Put your baby belly-down on your thighs and gently rub their back; show them a high-contrast card in their line of vision and slowly move it upward to see if their head moves up
• Carry your baby football-style on your forearm

If your baby is fussy during a tummy time session, you don’t have to force it. Keep trying short sessions a few times a day. Babies who start tummy time early take to it better later on. The experts all agree: tummy time is essential for building the muscles and coordination needed for rolling over, crawling, walking, reaching, and playing. Read our tummy time FAQs for expert advice on common tummy time concerns.

Lovevery is now offering Parent Courses! Get more information on “Baby’s Best Tummy Time.“

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