​​​​​​​Materials: Toys to reach for.

STEP 1

Lay your child down on their stomach on a firm, safe surface, like a floor or mat.

STEP 2

Put some interesting toys near your child and encourage them to reach for them.

STEP 3

If you can, get down and do tummy time with them—playtime is more fun with you!

MAKE IT EASIER:

If tummy time is frustrating for your child, try putting them on your stomach and hold up toys for them to reach and grasp.

EXTEND THE LEARNING:

When your child is getting close to crawling, place interesting toys a little farther away to encourage children to crawl to them.


WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING?

Your child is learning how to control some of the most important muscles in their bodies. Developing strong core muscles in the stomach and arms will help your child grasp and ​reach for items and gain the necessary skills needed to sit up, crawl, or walk in the future.

WHY?

Tummy time exercises your baby’s core muscles and gives them important practice with reaching and grasping objects.


child playing with toy on floor