This video will show you what tummy time looks like for babies that are newborn to 2 months of age. 

You'll also learn about what things to look for and try to encourage at this age. 

My name is Tanya and I'm a pediatric physiotherapist with Alberta Health Services. 

Remember, if your baby was born premature, their timeline might be different for developing these skills. 

It's OK to start tummy time before your baby can hold their head up. 

Make sure your baby has a chance to look to both sides when their cheek down so that they can move their neck in both directions. 

At 1 month of age, tummy time on the floor will still be challenging. 

Babies at this age still tend to be curled up so that their hips are higher than their shoulders. 

This makes it more difficult for them to lift their head when they're on the floor. 

Remember that tummy time should be done when your baby is awake. 

Your baby should always sleep lying on their back, every sleep. 

It's still great to start getting them used to tummy time on the floor, but they'll be able to lift their head better in the tummy-to-tummy position. 

When you're carrying them tummy down, your baby will still need a lot of support for their head. 

Your baby will start to be able to do more in tummy time as they get older. 

By 2 months of age, like this baby, they may be lifting their head more and need a little less support in both tummy to tummy and tummy carry positions. 

Your baby should be tolerating floor time for a little longer, but they likely still haven't figured out how to use their arms to help support themselves. 

Their elbows are still back behind their shoulders. 

Their hips and knees are often still flexed or curled up. 

This makes it more difficult for them to lift their head as it shifts all of their weight towards their head. 

You can help by adding a rolled-up blanket or towel under your baby's chest. 

Notice that this baby, who is 2 months of age, is now able to lift their head higher and more easily with support under their chest. 

As your baby practices more, they'll start to lift their head up for longer, but it may often be tipped to one side. 

Your baby should be tipping and turning their head to both sides when they're trying to lift their head in tummy time or when they're in a more upright position, like in their car seat. 

If you notice that your baby is always tipping or turning their head to only one side, it's a good idea to see a pediatric physiotherapist for one-to-one help. 

Some babies have trouble turning and tipping their head to both sides, and early treatment is the most effective way to help them move to both sides. 

The pediatric rehabilitation website has more information about your baby's head shape and neck movement. 

At this age, you're the best toy for your baby. 

Sing and talk with your baby and spend lots of time face to face with them. 

Try shaking a simple, light rattle that makes an interesting noise to get their attention. 

High contrast pictures or toys, ones that are black, white, or red are also interesting to babies. 

Keep the toys a little less than your baby's arm length from their face so that they can focus on them more easily. 

This video series continues with new things you can expect to see in tummy time when your baby is 3 to 4 months of age. 

If you want to learn more about side-lying or learning to crawl, go ahead to the later videos in the series. 

Find information, support, and services for you and your child by clicking on the link in the description.​