If you're a new parent, chances are you've heard the phrase "tummy time" more than once. But what exactly is tummy time—and why is it so important for your baby?
At Aspire Family Chiropractic, we educate families in Peachtree Corners, Dunwoody and beyond on how tummy time supports healthy neurological and physical development, and how chiropractic care plays a key role in ensuring your baby is hitting milestones with ease.
Tummy time is the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. It’s one of the earliest and most important developmental activities babies can do.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends tummy time as early as the first day home from the hospital, starting with short sessions that gradually increase in length as your baby grows (1). Don't think of tummy time as something that has to be done in one session, you can start with a a minute or two and build up over time.
Tummy time helps your baby:
Tummy time doesn’t have to look the same every time. Here are different variations to keep your baby engaged and supported:
Tummy on Chest Place baby tummy-down on your chest while you're reclining. This is great for bonding and newborns who resist floor tummy time.
Tummy on a Rolled Towel Place a small breastfeeding pillow or towel under their chest with arms forward. This reduces frustration and helps elevate their head for easier engagement.
Tummy on the Floor with Toys or Mirror Use bright toys or a mirror to keep them visually stimulated and encourage head turning.
Tummy Time on Parent's Lap Lay baby across your lap and gently rock to soothe them while still engaging muscles.
Tummy Time on Parent's Knees Lay flat on your back with your knees bent. Have baby facing towards your feet, propped up on your legs. Have their legs bent underneath them. This position not only helps to strengthen their neck muscles but also gently works on their leg strength as well.
ADVANCED- Tummy Time on Exercise Ball Lay baby face down on exercise ball and rock them forward and back assisting them. This helps with coordination and is an advanced form of tummy time.
Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, occurs when one part of the baby’s skull becomes flattened, often due to prolonged pressure on one side of the head—commonly from time spent in swings, car seats, sleeping on their back, or inability to easily move head in both directions.
Tummy time is a preventative measure for plagiocephaly. It relieves pressure on the back of the head and promotes symmetrical head shape and muscle development.
If you notice:
Many parents struggle with tummy time because their baby seems fussy or uncomfortable, especially if they have reflux or colic. These conditions are often linked to nervous system tension or digestive imbalance stemming from spinal misalignments caused during birth or early development.
Chiropractic care gently relieves pressure on nerves affecting digestion and can help improve symptoms like:
A study in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that chiropractic adjustments helped reduce colic symptoms in 94% of infants in a one-week period (2).
Watch for these red flags during tummy time:
These may be signs of nervous system stress or spinal misalignments interfering with proper development. A chiropractic assessment can identify and gently correct these imbalances.
We specialize in safe, gentle adjustments specifically designed for infants. There’s no cracking or popping—just light pressure to help your baby’s spine and nervous system function at their best. The goal is to support balanced development, improve comfort, and help your child thrive naturally.
Tummy time is more than just an activity—it’s a window into your baby’s nervous system development. If your little one struggles with tummy time or you're noticing flat spots, favoring one side, or delays in movement, don’t wait. Addressing these imbalances early on help to make sure your baby is developing to their fullest potential.
📞 Contact Aspire Family Chiropractic today to schedule a pediatric evaluation and learn how we can support your child’s growth—right from the start.
