By Dr Michelle Beech Cloete (MTech Chiropractic, PCA, PainSA). Chiropractor with a special interest in Paediatrics and Craniopathy.
Tummy time is one of the simplest (and most powerful) ways to support your baby’s early development. All the other milestones as well as your baby’s spinal development does indeed pivot on their ability to spend time in this position. When done consistently and safely, it helps build the strength and coordination needed for rolling, sitting, crawling, and beyond.
Pediatric chiropractic care can also support healthy milestones by promoting comfortable movement and easing tension that may make tummy time harder.
What is Tummy Time?
Tummy time is a supervised activity where your baby lies on their stomach while awake. It gives infants a chance to practice lifting and turning their head, bearing weight through their arms, and engaging their core. Over time, these efforts build neck, shoulder, and trunk strength that supports posture and movement. Even short, frequent sessions can make a meaningful difference as your baby grows.
Key Milestones to Watch For
1–2 months: Lifting head briefly during tummy time.
3–4 months: Pushing up on forearms and holding head steady. Rolling to sides.
5–6 months: Pushing up on hands with straight arms. Rolling to sides. Rolling from tummy to back and back to tummy.
6–7 months: Having reached the above. Rolling from tummy time to seated. Rolling from seated to tummy time. Transitioning from back – to side – to seated.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Development
Gentle pediatric chiropractic adjustments are designed to support healthy alignment and mobility as your baby grows. When joints and soft tissues move well, babies may find it easier to turn their head, tolerate tummy time, and explore new positions comfortably. Care can also help reduce tension patterns that sometimes develop after birth or from preferred positioning. The goal is to support smooth, comfortable movement so your baby can focus on learning new skills.
Tips for Successful Tummy Time
Start with short sessions (30–60 seconds) and build up gradually throughout the day.
Tummy time should be prioritised during each wake window when infant is younger and then multiple times throughout the day as naps decrease.
Use a favorite toy, mirror, or high-contrast book to keep your baby engaged. Even incorporating mechanical, noise generating toys to really catch their attention. I found a mirror as well as the walking crab toy from Takealot to be the most useful for my little one.
Get down at your baby’s eye level—your face and voice are powerful motivators. You can even incorporate an older sibling to make this milestone playful.
Try different safe surfaces (a play mat, firm bed with supervision, or tummy time on your chest).
Try the ‘leopard hold’ throughout the day.
Make it part of your routine—after diaper changes or naps can be a great time.
If tummy time feels especially challenging, or if you’re noticing your baby consistently favors one side, trust your instincts and reach out. We’re here to answer questions, check how your little one is moving, and support healthy development with gentle, age-appropriate care.
Contact your chiropractor, with a special interest in paediatrics, to learn how pediatric chiropractic care may help your baby feel more comfortable as they work toward their next milestones.
