Tummy time is an important exercise for newborn babies in order to promote healthy physical and sensory development. It can help babies master basic skills like lifting their heads or rolling over. It also assists in reaching milestones like sitting up, crawling, and walking.

Tummy time also helps prevent flat spots on an infant’s head, explains Rachel Dawkins, MD, pediatrician and medical director of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Care Network in St. Petersburg, Florida. Since most infants snooze on their backs for most of the day, and should only sleep on their backs at night, their soft skulls can easily compress if left in the same position for too long causing plagiocephaly, or skull flatness.

Tummy time helps avoid plagiocephaly, but occasionally babies need some extra help if repositioning and tummy time aren't working. In more severe cases, a pediatrician may recommend a cranial remolding orthosis, which looks like a baby helmet or band.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends three-minute sessions of newborn tummy time, two or three times a day, as soon as they are home from the hospital. As babies get older and work up more strength, the length of time can increase to a total of 20 to 30 minutes a day until they are at least 3 months old. 

However, not all babies are fans of the exercise, and some even become downright angry (like my youngest did). In part, this is why the tummy time stroller hack has become popular for some parents who are in this boat.

“Many babies won’t love tummy time at first," explains Dr. Dawkins. "For those babies, you have to do a 'try it, you might like it' approach and do short sessions a few times a day.”

Eventually, she says, the baby will get used to the position and start enjoying the exercise. 

Is Tummy Time Safe in Any Stroller?

Despite several stroller brands being able to recline fully, experts say there really is no safe way to do tummy time in any type of stroller. While it seems like a creative way to get babies to do much-needed work on their neck muscles and get outside for some fresh air, there are several risks in using baby products in a way they are not intended to be used.

“Placing a baby on their stomach in a stroller can lead to poor air circulation, increasing the risk of suffocation,” says Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. The mom of two and nationally certified child passenger safety expert says a lack of a flat, stable surface can make it difficult for the baby to lift their head and move comfortably.

“This is especially critical for babies without neck control,” she adds.

Pratt also stresses the need for an infant to always be buckled into a stroller, whether they're in their infant seat or the stroller seat. 

“Strollers can accidentally tip over due to an older child, a dog, or even uneven ground, which can cause serious injuries,” she explains.

The displaced weight of an infant on their belly in the stroller could also cause it to tip over. 

Alternatives to Stroller Tummy Time

There are alternatives to using the stroller for tummy time, particularly when parents are on the go. Pratt says to first remember to pack a play mat or a blanket for going out.

“It's important to give your baby breaks from their infant seat or stroller, especially during the hotter months, and tummy time is a perfect way to do that,” she says, recommending finding a nice shady spot in a park for a safe and fun tummy time session.

Dr. Dawkins notes that tummy time doesn’t necessarily have to be lying on the ground or on a mat either.

“Some babies do better trying tummy time while lying on a parent’s chest or on a Boppy pillow,” she says. But she recommends the pillow be on a floor or low hard surface so they don't risk rolling off of a couch or bed.

Some other ideas recommended to help you and your baby enjoy tummy time include:

• Placing a rolled-up towel under the baby’s arms to help prop them up slightly while they are on a clear area of the floor.
• Trying short tummy time sessions right after a diaper change or nap.
• Putting toys within the baby’s reach to help the baby interact with their surroundings and learn to play.
• Reclining on your back with your baby on your stomach. With their head facing yours, talk to your baby. They will try to lift up their head to see your face.
• Try different environments. Every few days, mix up where you do tummy time so your baby can explore new scenes.

While hacks can be helpful, safety should be paramount. Each expert agrees that tummy time should always be supervised, no matter how old the baby is or where it's being performed.

“Let's make sure our babies stay safe and sound by keeping them secure in their strollers and enjoying tummy time in the right environment,” says Pratt.