Get clear, age-appropriate tummy time exercises for newborns, infants, and babies around 2 to 3 months old. Learn easy ways to help your baby lift their head, stay comfortable longer, and make steady progress with tummy time.
Tell us what is happening during tummy time, and we will help you focus on the right exercises to strengthen neck and core skills, reduce fussing, and support your baby’s next step.
Tummy time helps babies build the core, shoulder, and neck strength they need for lifting the head, looking around, rolling, and later motor milestones. The best tummy time exercises for baby are simple, short, and matched to your baby’s age and current ability. If your baby fusses quickly or struggles to lift their head, small changes in positioning and exercise choice can make tummy time feel more manageable and productive.
Lie back slightly and place your baby on your chest so they can practice lifting their head while looking at your face. This is one of the easiest tummy time activities for newborns because it adds comfort and connection.
Place a small rolled towel under your baby’s chest with arms forward to make head lifting easier. This can help babies who are working on tummy time exercises to help baby lift head without getting tired too quickly.
Get down at your baby’s eye level, talk, sing, or use a simple high-contrast toy. Short, engaging practice on the floor supports tummy time core strength exercises while keeping your baby interested.
Start with very short sessions on your chest, across your lap, or on a firm surface for brief practice. The goal is comfort, tolerance, and early head-turning rather than long stretches.
At this stage, many babies benefit from supported floor tummy time, arms positioned under the shoulders, and frequent short sessions throughout the day. Focus on helping your baby begin lifting and turning their head.
As strength improves, encourage longer floor sessions, reaching toward a toy, and looking side to side. These tummy time exercises for infants can build endurance and stronger neck and core control.
A few minutes at a time can be more effective than one long session. This is especially helpful for babies who last only a short time before fussing.
Try tummy time after a diaper change or nap when your baby is awake and content. Avoid starting when your baby is hungry, overly tired, or uncomfortable.
Bringing elbows forward, placing a towel under the chest, or starting on your body can make tummy time exercises to strengthen neck and core feel easier and more achievable.
Start with chest-to-chest tummy time, tummy time across your lap, or brief supported practice with a rolled towel under the chest. These options often feel easier than flat floor time and still help build strength.
Exercises that bring the arms forward, slightly elevate the chest, and encourage your baby to look at your face or a toy can make head lifting more manageable. Repeating short sessions helps build neck and core strength over time.
Yes. A 2 month old often does best with shorter, more supported practice, while a 3 month old may be ready for longer floor sessions, more active head turning, and reaching during tummy time. The right level depends on your baby’s current strength and tolerance.
Very short sessions still count. Even one to three minutes at a time can be useful when repeated throughout the day. The goal is steady practice and positive experiences, not forcing long sessions.
Begin with the easiest options that match your baby’s current ability, such as chest-to-chest tummy time, lap support, or a towel under the chest. Personalized guidance can help you choose the next best exercise based on whether the main issue is fussing, head lifting, or endurance.
Answer a few questions about your baby’s tummy time experience to get focused, practical next steps for building neck and core strength with exercises that fit their age and current challenge.
Answer a Few QuestionsExplore more assessments in this topic group.
See related assessments across this category.
Find more parenting assessments by category and topic.
Core Strength
Core Strength
Core Strength
Core Strength