How to Make Tummy Time Fun (and Stress-Free!)

If you’ve ever placed your baby on their tummy only to be met with cries, grumbles or a speedy roll back, you’re not alone. Lots of parents wonder how to make tummy time fun, because while it’s hugely beneficial, not every baby enjoys it right away. The good news? With a few simple tricks, tummy time can go from tears to giggles — and it plays a big role in your baby’s development.

Why tummy time is so important

Tummy time isn’t just about lying on the floor — it’s your baby’s very first workout. Every lift of the head, wriggle of the arms, and little kick is helping to:

  • Strengthen neck, back and shoulder muscles – the building blocks for rolling, sitting, crawling and eventually walking.

  • Develop coordination and motor skills – essential for reaching, grasping and exploring.

  • Prevent flat spots – spending time off their back helps protect head shape.

These tummy time benefits are the stepping stones to so many future milestones.

How to make tummy time fun

What tummy time leads to

Even if it doesn’t look like much at first, tummy time leads to big progress. Over time your baby will:

  • Push up on their arms 💪

  • Roll over (sometimes just to escape tummy time at first!) ↔️

  • Sit up on their own 🪑

  • Crawl and begin exploring 🐾

So if you’re struggling with tummy time, remember: every little wriggle is a step closer to these exciting milestones.

How to make tummy time fun

Now for the big question — how to make tummy time fun so your baby (and you!) can enjoy it more. Here are some parent-tested ideas:

  1. Start small – just a minute or two at a time, and build up gradually.

  2. Get face-to-face – lie down opposite your baby and chat, sing or smile. You’re their best motivation.

  3. Bring in toys – colourful props, sensory toys, or even a rolled towel under their chest can make it easier.

  4. Mix it up – tummy-to-tummy on your chest counts too and feels safe and comforting.

  5. Add fun distractions – try mirrors, board books, or lights to encourage them to lift their head and look around.

With these ideas, tummy time can become part of play instead of feeling like a chore.

How to make tummy time fun

How Adventure Babies can help

At Adventure Babies, we know tummy time can feel like a hurdle at home — which is why we build it into our sensory storytelling adventures in playful, stress-free ways. Babies are naturally motivated by colours, lights and textures, so while they’re captivated by the story, they’re also strengthening muscles, building coordination and hitting those early milestones. Parents often tell us tummy time suddenly feels easier when it’s part of the magic in class.

So if you’ve been worried your baby “hates” tummy time, you’re not failing. With patience, a sprinkle of creativity and a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll find ways to make tummy time fun — and every wriggle gets your little one closer to rolling, sitting and exploring the world.

✨ Remember: tummy time today, milestones tomorrow!e

Want more ideas? The NHS tummy time guide is packed with helpful tips you can try at home

How to make tummy time fun