Tummy Time Tips and Positioning Strategies: Supporting Baby’s Healthy Growth and Development  

Tummy time and proper positioning are important for your baby’s healthy development, helping to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles while preventing conditions like flat head syndrome and torticollis. If persistent head flattening or neck tightness arises, specialized care such as a cranial remolding orthosis may be recommended to support your baby’s growth. We’ve gathered specific techniques in our Tummy Time and Corrective Positioning Techniques guide to help you keep your baby better positioned throughout the day. 

A baby’s day is packed with exploration, play, and rest. Incorporating tummy time and thoughtful positioning into their routine helps develop neck and shoulder strength, which are important for preventing conditions such as plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and torticollis, where uneven neck muscle tone causes the head to tilt.  

What Is Tummy Time? 

Tummy time is an essential activity for babies that involves placing them on their stomachs while they are awake and under supervision so that their head isn’t resting against a surface. It helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and upper body muscles, which are important for building head control, alleviating pressure on the back of the head, and helping reach crucial developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling.  

Repositioning for a Healthier Head Shape 

Repositioning means deliberately varying your baby’s head placement to minimize the chance of flat spots. For instance, alternate which side of the head your baby rests on during naps and bedtime. Small changes like these, practiced consistently, help encourage natural head rounding. 

Daily routines offer numerous opportunities for repositioning, such as: 

• Holding and carrying
• Playtime activities
• Diaper changes and getting dressed
• Bathing, burping, breastfeeding, and bottle feeding
• Resting and sleeping positions

You can explore our Tummy Time and Corrective Positioning Techniques guide for more detailed guidance on repositioning techniques. 

Helpful Tips for Tummy Time 

1. Begin Early & Gradually Extend: Start tummy time shortly after birth with short, supervised sessions, and increase as your baby gets stronger. 

2. Engage Your Baby: Use toys, mirrors, and eye contact to make tummy time enjoyable. You can even position your baby on your chest for bonding and comfort. 

3. Use Props When Needed: Nursing pillows or baby loungers can offer extra support if required. 

4. Encourage Active Movement: Help your baby transition between back, side, and tummy positions to improve flexibility and strength. 

5. Switch Up the Scenery: Change locations during tummy time to spark curiosity and introduce new visual stimulation. 

6. Track with Toys: Move objects in slow patterns to encourage your baby to follow them with their eyes. Circular motions are particularly beneficial for developing visual tracking. 

Ask the Expert: Flat Head Syndrome

We sat down with Katie Toth, CPO, to answer the most common questions about flat head syndrome. 

Learn More

When to Consult a Specialist 

Despite regular tummy time and repositioning, some babies may develop head asymmetry or limited neck mobility. Consult your pediatrician if you notice persistent flattening, a strong preference for one side, or tightness in the neck muscles. 

Your pediatrician may refer you to Hanger Clinic’s specialized network of Cranial Asymmetry Remolding Experts (CARE). If needed, they will recommend a helmet called a cranial remolding orthosis that will be worn by your baby to gently help shape their head to have a more symmetrical appearance. From lightweight, easy-to-use 3D solutions to more traditional options, Hanger Clinic embraces numerous FDA-regulated designs to help create a precise and comfortable fit for your little one.  

The Hanger Clinic CARE Network follows a set of validated, research-based Clinical Practice Guidelines so you can rest assured your baby receives the most clinically accurate and unbiased treatment recommendations. With the CARE network, you have access to unparalleled care and expertise from the nation’s top clinicians.