Why Tummy Time is Important for Baby’s Head and Neck Strength
Tummy Time isn’t just good for Baby’s core strength, but for their head and neck strength as well!
Regular Tummy Time helps Baby gain the neck and head control needed to reach important milestones for motor, sensory, and feeding development.
Tummy Time also prevents positional conditions such as flat head syndrome and torticollis (“stiff neck”).
Tummy Time is one of the best exercises for Baby!
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We often think of Tummy Time as helping strengthen Baby’s core, because we are focusing on their “tummy” part of Tummy Time. But did you know it’s also important for Baby’s head and neck muscles? Here are some of the ways Tummy Time benefits Baby’s head, neck, and overall physical development.
Tummy Time helps Baby use their neck to lift their head
When Baby is on their back, they don’t need to use their neck muscles as much. They can lie with a relaxed neck and look up, which is one of the reasons why back sleeping is safest for Baby. But being on their stomach challenges Baby to use their neck “extensors”, the muscles that straighten their neck so they can lift their head. These muscles allow Baby to look around and engage with their environment.
Baby will attempt to lift their head for a few seconds in their first month; by 2 months old they will be able to hold up their head with more control.
💡 Here’s an expert Tummy Time tip! Get down at Baby’s eye level, then talk and smile at them! They love the sound of your voice and seeing your face. This will motivate Baby to try to lift their head to look at you.
Tummy Time helps Baby sit up on their own
A key part of Baby being able to sit up on their own is having the neck strength to keep their head up. Sitting independently is an important 4-6 month milestone, because once Baby can sit up by themselves with good head and neck control, they can start solid foods! Starting solids has benefits for their feeding, sensory, and motor development.
💡 Try this during Tummy Time to help Baby’s neck strength for feeding! At 3 months old, place Baby tummy down on an exercise ball, holding their sides for support. Slowly move the ball toward you (allows Baby to lift and hold their head more easily) or away from you (challenges them to activate their muscles even more).
Tummy Time prevents flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly)
When Baby spends too much time lying on their back, the prolonged pressure on their head can lead to flat spots. This is a condition known as positional plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, and it happens because Baby’s skull is soft and can easily change shape in the early months. Tummy Time prevents flat spots by taking pressure off the back of Baby’s head. It also helps Baby gain head control, which allows them to relieve pressure on their head independently.
Tummy Time prevents stiff neck (positional torticollis)
Positional torticollis, or “stiff neck”, occurs when the muscles in Baby’s neck become tight, causing Baby’s head to tilt to one side. This can result from Baby favoring the same direction while feeding, playing, being held, or lying down (which is why it’s helpful to change Baby’s sleeping direction in bed every night). Playing with toys on both sides of Baby’s body during Tummy Time helps work their neck muscles equally to prevent stiffness.
☑️ Note from a pediatric physical therapist: In the early months, Baby may naturally tilt their head to one side or another while on their tummy. This is expected as they gain strength, but it’s important to monitor that they are not always keeping their head rotated or positioned to only one side.
