Tummy time is encouraged from birth to promote head, neck and upper body strength. Start introducing tummy time early with a minute or so a few times a day. Slowly increase the duration of tummy time. Here is a great article about tummy time on the Raising Children's Network.
Tummy time is typically shown to parents as time for baby to lie on their stomach's on a mat. Tummy time can take place in a number of positions. My favourite was those first moments of skin to skin contact when my baby was placed on me! Other positions you might consider are over a gym ball, over your lap, over a roll, across your arm, over a rolled up towel, up on your shoulder, up on your legs. You can introduce toys or a mirror as your baby gets older to make tummy time more interesting. I recently asked my readers to send in their photos of their babies doing tummy time. I loved seeing all the gorgeous babies and it was great to see tummy time in practise in a variety of ways. Here is a collage of the photographs {including some of my own 2 bubs}. Thank you again to all those who contributed! 
Tummy Time Therapy Blogger Blog Hop Below you will find all the posts in the Tummy Time therapy blogger blog hop. So many great ideas and thoughts on tummy time from Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapists.
The Importance of Tummy Time for Babies - Golden Reflections Blog Tummy Time & Baby's First Year - The Recycling OT How to Use a Therapy Ball to Make Tummy Time Easier and More Fun for Baby - Mama OT 5 Awesome Toys for Tummy Time! - The Inspired Treehouse Terrific Tummy Time Positions - Your Kids OT Tips For Tummy Time From A Physical Therapist - Pink Oatmeal Tummy Time : The Basics - Therapy Fun Zone
Is Tummy Time Important? - Smarty Pants Mom
Have you considered another position for you child to have tummy time or have I just made you a little bit clucky with these gorgeous babies?
11/8/2014 03:53:46 am
Gosh I wish I had read this post after our now 2 1/2 year old was born!! We had huge problems getting him to do tummy time and working on his neck,chest and arm strength (he was a premmie - 30wks). I found a gym ball to be the most successful aid, it was hard work, but he FINALLY started to push himself up on his arms at 5 months old. 11/8/2014 10:11:12 am
Poor little fellow, sounds like hard work. Gym balls are great for tummy time. Thanks for commenting.
Mel
11/8/2014 05:30:53 am
Love your blog, that's exactly where A is at so I'm making a roll tonight! Plenty of unused yoga mats here. I really appreciate this. Very cute tummy time photos too. 11/8/2014 10:12:51 am
Great way to put unused yoga mats to use! Thanks for commenting. 12/8/2014 06:32:57 am
As you say, tummy time becomes a buzz phrase when you become a parent. I think it needs to be introduced much earlier. The first time I heard it was at my first mothers group. Unfortunately for me (and my baby), by this stage my baby was 12 weeks old. Far too old and had already developed a flat spot. Fortunately it wasn't serious and luckily, I can put on my 'mean mum' hat and continued to 'force' him to have tummy time, slowly increasing his time. Every baby after, they were always on their belly, unless asleep or feeding. Easy peasy. When this is simply what you do, baby has no problems with it. 12/8/2014 06:48:42 am
There is so much going on for first time parents, with feeding/sleeping, etc but I agree this should be taught at hospital or even mentioned at ante-natal classes. There is so much build up with the birth itself the after is often put into the "will-take-care- of-itself" basket. I used to visit mother's groups in community health centres to teach tummy time but maybe the should have sent me to maternity wards instead?! 13/8/2014 03:53:15 am
I would have never thought of doing tummy time over a gym ball! I remember feeling so worried when I let my son have tummy time because he couldnt' move but now I understand why it's so important. 14/8/2014 07:35:10 am
Yes the gym ball is a favourite tool for OTs. I think the key is not feeling like it has to be for extended period of times initially. 19/8/2014 05:09:13 am
Tummy time used to worry me a little bit. I knew I had to do it, but I wasn't super comfortable with it. So I used to lay my girls on my chest and they did their tummy time staring up at me, and I kept a *very* close eye on them! Thanks for linking with I'm Pinning Around Cindy. x 19/8/2014 05:40:22 am
Definitely my favourite tummy time position too! Thanks Amanda. 1/10/2014 10:08:11 am
Great and effective method for doing those tummy time workouts. Cute collage, by the way! 1/10/2014 01:01:49 pm
I love looking at the baby collage too. Thanks for your comment Alice.
Jenn
15/8/2015 05:50:55 pm
We are having SO much tummy time trouble! My son is 6 1/2 months now and always hated tummy time. He will push up enough to make himself roll over, but won't stay on his tummy. He actually starts rolling before I leave him on his tummy! I can send you videos of it. I'm not sure what to do now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 24/8/2015 02:51:46 am
Jenn, rolling is perfectly normal! As he develops strength your son will be rolling back and forth, putting himself in sitting and back onto the floor, then crawling. Keep providing opportunities, maybe tummy to tummy with you or up on your legs (like the second picture in the last row). It doesn't have to be for long periods. Comments are closed.
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AuthorHi, I'm Cindy and I am an Occupational Therapist. I enjoy working creatively with children to see them reach their potential. Read more about me here. 
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Disclaimer: The information on this site is general in nature and should be used for educational and entertainment purposes. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. This blog does not replace formal therapeutic professional advice given by a health professional or medical practitioner. Reviews and endorsements of products will only be made based on my expertise and personal opinion; and deemed worthy of such endorsement. The opinions shared in sponsored content will always be my own and not that of the advertising company or brand. Content, advertising space or posts will be clearly identified if paid, affiliated or sponsored. Affiliate links may be found throughout this website in advertising. This means that if you follow through with a purchase from these links, Your Kids OT will receive a percentage of the sale. Your Kids OT undertakes to meet the requirements of the "Social Media Policy" as published by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Further information about this policy can be found here.
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AuthorHi, I'm Cindy and I am an Occupational Therapist. I enjoy working creatively with children to see them reach their potential. Read more about me here. 
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