{"id":12458,"date":"2020-03-03T20:16:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-04T01:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.physioextra.ca\/en\/health-tips\/when-to-start-tummy-time-2\/"},"modified":"2026-06-10T12:08:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T16:08:06","slug":"tummy-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/physioextra.ca\/en\/health-tips\/tummy-time\/","title":{"rendered":"When to Start Tummy Time ?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Where does the controversy around the prone position come from?<\/h2>\n

Until the early 1990s, parents were advised to have babies sleep on their side or stomach to reduce the risk of choking. In 1992, recommendations shifted to favor the back or side, and by 1996, the back position became the safest due to its link with reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).<\/p>\n

In Canada, the \u201cBack to Sleep\u201d campaign helped reduce cases of SIDS by 50% between 1990 and 2000. Since then, the back position has remained the recommended position for infant sleep<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Today, recommendations are clear: babies should always be placed on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s important to know that when a baby is awake, there is no risk associated with SIDS. There is therefore no concern in placing baby on their stomach during awake time, and it is even essential to do so several times a day.<\/p>\n

When should you start tummy time?<\/h2>\n

Tummy time can begin in the first days of life, always when baby is awake and supervised<\/strong>. For example, skin-to-skin contact on your abdomen is a great way to gently introduce this position.<\/p>\n

During the first three months, prioritize short periods repeated multiple times a day. A few minutes at a time is enough, depending on your baby\u2019s tolerance.<\/p>\n