Tummy time from day one

Start on day one with chest-to-chest tummy time: baby lying on your bare chest while you're reclined. This counts, feels calming for both of you, and doesn't provoke the crying that floor tummy time sometimes does in the first weeks. Once baby tolerates it, move to a firm play mat for 1–2 minutes at a time, several times a day, always supervised and always when they're awake. Work up to about an hour spread across the day by three months. Short frequent sessions beat one long forced session. Tummy time builds the neck, shoulder, and core strength needed for rolling, sitting, and eventually crawling. It also prevents flat spots on the back of the head from too much time on the back. If baby cries after 30 seconds, take a break — but don't skip the session; try again 10 minutes later.