As parents, we all want to do what’s best for our children, especially in those early, formative years. But what if I told you that something as commonly recommended as tummy time could actually be hurting your baby? Yes, you heard that right. While tummy time is widely promoted in curriculums, policies, on TV, and even through products, it’s not just wrong-headed—it’s potentially harmful to your child’s development.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental milestones refer to the key skills or behaviors that most children achieve by a certain age. These include physical milestones like sitting up, crawling, and walking, as well as social and cognitive markers, like recognizing familiar faces, playing with others, and starting to use language.
Why Tummy Time is Not Good for Your Baby
When I say tummy time is wrong-headed, I don’t mean you’re wrong for wanting to support your child’s growth and development. We all want the best for our babies. But tummy time—placing your baby on their stomach—is one of those things that has been recommended not because it’s good for babies, but because it’s what we’ve been taught. It’s in curriculums, policies, TV shows, and even sold through products everywhere. The truth is, tummy time forces babies into positions they aren’t naturally ready for, and this can actually hinder their development.
Babies develop at their own pace, and their movement and posture should emerge from their own exploration, not from being placed in positions before they’re ready. When we impose tummy time, we interfere with how they discover and engage with their bodies naturally.
And let’s be real: babies often cry during tummy time because they’re uncomfortable. They’re trying to tell us that this isn’t working for them. Yet, parents are told to push through, believing it’s necessary. But instead of helping, we’re pushing them into something unnatural, which can even cause delays in their development.
Supporting Natural Development
Rather than relying on structured and potentially harmful activities like tummy time, let’s focus on creating a safe, open environment where babies can move freely and at their own pace. Let your baby spend time on their back, where they can explore their bodies, roll over, reach, and crawl when they’re ready—not because a structured activity says they should.
By letting your child take the lead in their development, you’ll not only support their physical growth but also help them develop a sense of independence, security, and confidence. The best way to support your baby’s milestones is to observe, encourage, and trust their individual timeline, rather than following one-size-fits-all advice like tummy time.
