Belly time is special one-on-one time between a parent and baby spent with the baby lying on the parent’s chest. It promotes bonding, aids in brain development, calms the baby, and has many other benefits. Belly time gets its name from the baby being belly-down on the parent’s belly.
Why is belly time important?
Belly time is important for several reasons:
- Promotes parent-child bonding through physical closeness and eye contact
- Calms and soothes baby
- Aids baby’s physiological development
- Helps strengthen baby’s muscles, especially neck and shoulders
- Contributes to baby’s vestibular development
- Helps baby learn to regulate emotions
- Stimulates baby’s senses through parent’s voice, heartbeat, and skin contact
The skin-to-skin contact and being cradled closely provides comfort and security for baby. The soothing motion of your breathing along with the sound of your heartbeat and voice helps relax baby. Belly time also aids vestibular development as baby experiences gentle movement while lying on you. The eye contact during belly time is critical for attachment and bonding.
When to start belly time
Belly time can be started right from birth. You can place your newborn in the prone position on your chest straight after birth during the first hour of skin-to-skin contact. Ensure your hands are supporting baby’s neck, back, and bottom at all times.
In the early weeks after birth, aim for short, frequent belly time sessions – even just 5 minutes at a time is beneficial. Slowly increase the duration as baby grows older and shows interest in lifting and turning their head.
Belly time benefits by age
0-3 months
- Bonding and attachment
- Strengthens neck, shoulder and arm muscles
- Vestibular development
- Calming and soothing for baby
- Supports physiological regulation
3-6 months
- Helps baby push up on forearms and raise chest
- Develops core strength
- Builds strength for rolling over
- Improves head control
- Vestibular development continues
- Baby starts actively participating by holding their head up
6-9 months
- Strengthens arm, shoulder, back, and neck muscles
- Supports early crawling motions
- Develops midline orientation
- Forms neural connections for rolling, sitting up, and crawling
- Improves eye tracking by focusing on your face
- Hand-eye coordination development as baby reaches for toys and interacts during belly time
Belly time remains beneficial well into the toddler years for continued bonding, supporting sensory development, and promoting physical strength.
Belly time tips
Follow these tips for making the most of belly time with your baby:
- Choose a quiet, low-stimulation time when baby is awake and content
- Place a muslin cloth or small towel under baby’s chest for comfort and grip
- Lie down in a comfortable, semi-reclined position with your knees bent
- Place baby belly-down directly on your bare chest for skin-to-skin contact
- Keep baby’s head turned to one side to allow eye contact and prevent positional plagiocephaly
- Keep one hand on baby’s bottom and one hand on their upper back for support
- Limit sessions to 3-10 minutes during the newborn period, increasing gradually as baby gets older
- Watch for tiredness cues and end the session if baby falls asleep or gets fussy
- Interact with smiles, soothing touch, and talk to baby during the session
Troubleshooting belly time challenges
Some common issues parents may encounter with belly time and how to troubleshoot them:
Baby fusses or cries
- Shorten session length or try later when baby is calm
- Gently sway and rock baby
- Play soft music or white noise
- Swaddle or use a baby wrap to help contain baby’s arms and legs
- Try skin-to-skin belly time for comfort and closeness
Baby falls asleep quickly
- Choose playful, alert times for belly time when baby is not overly tired
- Gently rub baby’s back or legs to provide stimulation
- Limit session length and end when baby falls asleep
- Provide engaging toys for baby to interact with
- Increase belly time exposure over time so it becomes more routine for baby
Baby startles or scratches face
- Trim and file baby’s nails or use mittens/socks on hands
- Use a muslin cloth or towel under baby’s chest for grip
- Go slower with bringing baby’s arms forward in front
- Provide supervised tummy time to help baby learn to control arm movements
Ways to incorporate more belly time
In addition to dedicated belly time sessions, you can incorporate more belly time throughout the day:
- Belly to belly during breast or bottle feeding
- Babywearing in a front carry position
- Skin-to-skin during bath time with baby on your chest
- Reclined tummy time with baby lying back sloped on your chest
- Belly time while snoozing together
- Tummy time on the floor using your body as support
Transitioning from belly time to tummy time
Around 3-4 months of age, you can start transitioning from belly time to supervised floor tummy time. Go slowly and watch for readiness cues:
- Start with 30 second to 1 minute sessions 1-2 times per day
- Increase time as baby shows enjoyment of tummy time
- Provide support with a rolled up towel or toy under chest if needed
- Get down on the floor and interact at baby’s level
- Place toys just out of reach to encourage reaching
- Combine tummy time with belly time for development progression
Maximizing bonding during belly time
Belly time is prime time for bonding. Here are tips for making the most of this special time together:
- Maintain eye contact and smile at your baby
- Use exaggerated facial expressions
- Talk, hum or sing to your baby
- Offer your finger for baby to grasp
- Gently stroke baby’s head, back or arms
- Take time to smell and observe your baby up close
- Hold belly time sessions after breast or bottle feeding for relaxation
Being emotionally present and keeping verbal and visual interaction with your baby during belly time fosters secure attachment.
Frequently asked questions
Is belly time safe for newborns?
Yes, belly time is safe and recommended from birth when done carefully with full support for baby’s head, neck, and trunk. Newborns benefit greatly from the close comfort and bonding.
How long should a belly time session be?
Aim for 3-10 minutes at a time for newborns, increasing gradually to 15-30 minutes by 6 months as baby shows enjoyment and stamina for the activity. Watch for tiredness cues and end session before baby becomes fussy.
How often should I do belly time each day?
Newborns can benefit from 2-3 short sessions spaced throughout the day. As baby grows, aim for 1-2 longer belly time interactions daily. Belly time after feeding or bathing works well.
What are signs my baby is ready to end belly time?
Signs your baby is done with belly time include yawning, fussiness, crying, falling asleep, clenched fists, arched back, or turning away. Respect these cues and keep sessions positive.
Should I help baby lift their head during belly time?
Avoid over-assisting. Let baby strengthen their neck and back muscles by bearing some of the effort. But do provide support and stability as needed.
What if my baby hates tummy time?
Some babies take longer to enjoy tummy time. Keep sessions short and playful. Provide support under chest and engaging toys. Combine with belly time. Go slowly.
Conclusion
Belly time offers developmental, bonding, calming and strength-building benefits for babies. This special facetoface time promotes secure attachment and supports growth. Be patient, responsive and loving during these sessions. Belly time forms a beautiful foundation for your lifelong bond.
