Tummy Time Isn’t Just for Babies: Why It Matters for Growing Kids Too

When most people hear the term tummy time, they think of tiny babies lying on the floor, working hard to lift their heads. While it’s true that tummy time is essential for infants, what many parents, caregivers, and even educators don’t realize is that tummy time benefits extend far beyond babyhood.

In fact, older children—including toddlers, preschoolers, and even elementary-age kids—can gain a lot from spending time on their tummies. Here's why this often-overlooked position still matters and how you can incorporate it into your child’s daily routine.

What Is Tummy Time, Really?

Tummy time simply means lying on the stomach while awake and supervised. For infants, it helps develop neck and upper body strength. But for older children, tummy time continues to support core strength, posture, visual-motor development, and shoulder stability—all of which are important for school readiness and independence.

Why Tummy Time Still Matters for Older Kids

Even as children grow, tummy time offers critical developmental benefits, such as:

✅ Core Strength & Stability

Lying on the stomach engages the core, hips, and back muscles. A strong core supports better balance, coordination, and posture—skills needed for sitting at a desk, climbing playground equipment, and even handwriting.

✅ Improved Shoulder & Arm Strength

Tummy time builds shoulder stability and upper body strength, which are key for fine motor tasks like writing, cutting, and self-feeding.

✅ Better Visual-Motor Integration

Looking down at a puzzle, coloring page, or book while on the tummy helps kids develop coordination between their eyes and hands.

✅ Postural Control

Children who slump or fatigue quickly during seated activities often benefit from prone (tummy-down) play. It helps train the body to maintain upright posture over time.

✅ A Sensory-Rich Position

Tummy time provides deep pressure and proprioceptive input, which can be calming for kids with sensory processing needs.

Signs Your Child Might Need More Tummy Time

You might consider adding tummy time back into your child’s routine if they:

• Tire easily during seated or table-top activities

• Struggle with handwriting or fine motor tasks

• Slouch often while sitting

• Avoid physical play or gross motor activities

• Have weak core or upper body strength

• Prefer screens or sedentary play

Fun Tummy Time Ideas for Toddlers & Older Kids

Make it playful! Here are a few ways to keep tummy time engaging beyond the baby years:

• 📚 Read books while lying on your tummy

• 🧩 Do puzzles or play with small toys on the floor

• 🎨 Color or draw using crayons while propped up on elbows

• 🧸 Set up a toy rescue mission—army crawl to save stuffed animals

• 🚗 Play with cars or trains on a mat

• 🧘‍♀️ Do animal walks like inchworms, snakes, or seals

Encourage short periods (3–5 minutes) a few times a day and gradually build up.

Tummy Time Tips for Success

• Make it part of a daily routine, like after school or before bed.

• Join your child on the floor—kids love when grownups participate!

• Use a cushion or wedge under the chest if needed for comfort.

• If your child resists, try timed challenges or make it a race.

• Be patient—core strength builds over time.

The Takeaway

Tummy time isn’t just a baby milestone—it’s a foundational motor activity that continues to benefit children long after infancy. Whether you’re helping a toddler develop strength for walking, or supporting a school-age child with posture or writing, don’t overlook the power of the floor.

So the next time you hear tummy time, remember: it’s not just for babies—it’s for bodies of all ages growing strong and confident.