Making Tummy Time Joyful: The NeuroMovement® Way

Why Tummy Time Matters

Parents are often told that tummy time is essential for their baby’s growth. It’s said to strengthen neck, back, and shoulder muscles and prepare babies for milestones like rolling, crawling, and walking.

But what happens when your baby hates tummy time? Tears, resistance, and stress can leave both baby and parent feeling overwhelmed.

At Pathways to Movement, we take a different perspective, grounded in the NeuroMovement® approach. We see tummy time not as a test of strength or endurance, but as a powerful opportunity for the brain to learn and grow through curiosity and connection.

The NeuroMovement® Approach: It’s About the Brain, Not Just the Muscles

Muscles don’t coordinate themselves. It’s the brain that organizes movement. Tummy time, when done gently and with variation, gives the brain new information about gravity, balance, and spatial awareness.

If tummy time becomes a struggle, the brain shifts into stress mode—learning shuts down. That’s why NeuroMovement® emphasizes creating safe, enjoyable experiences over forcing milestones.

Five Gentle Tips for Tummy Time Success

🧡 1. Connect First

Start with connection—eye contact, gentle voice, a soothing touch. When your baby feels safe and connected, their brain is more open to exploring new positions.

🌈 2. Use Variety

Tummy time doesn’t need to be flat on the floor. Try placing your baby on your chest as you recline, across your lap, or on a soft blanket with a small towel under their chest. Variation provides the brain with richer learning experiences.

⏱ 3. Keep It Short

Even 10–20 seconds of pleasant tummy time is more valuable than minutes of struggle. End before frustration builds so your baby remembers the experience positively.

👀 4. Engage Curiosity

Make tummy time playful. Place a toy within reach, sing softly, or gently stroke your baby’s back. These small interactions give the brain sensory variety to work with.

🎉 5. Celebrate Alternatives

If your baby rolls out of tummy time, that’s not failure—it’s learning! Every wiggle, push, or roll is the brain experimenting with new possibilities.

Beyond Milestones: A Shift in Perspective

In many parenting circles, milestones are treated as checklists. However, NeuroMovement teaches us that development is a process of learning, not a race to achievements.

Every small movement, every experiment, every moment of curiosity builds the neural pathways for future skills. By focusing on connection, variation, and curiosity, you help your baby develop confidence, coordination, and a sense of joy.

A Parent’s Story

One mom shared how her son cried during tummy time, leaving her anxious and guilty. Together we shifted the approach—starting with tummy-to-chest play, introducing toys, and keeping sessions very short. Soon, her son began lifting his head with ease, laughing while pushing up on his arms.

The difference wasn’t stronger muscles—it was a brain that felt safe, curious, and ready to learn.

Tummy time doesn’t have to be a battle. With the NeuroMovement® approach, it becomes an invitation to learn, play, and connect. By using short, varied, and enjoyable experiences, you awaken your child’s brain to the joy of discovery.