Does Babywearing Count As Tummy Time? Tips & Benefits

We hope you love the products we recommend! FYI -if you click on a product below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.

Many parents wonder if babywearing counts as tummy time. The answer is both yes and no. Babywearing does provide some tummy time, but it’s not as effective as lying your baby on his or her back on a flat surface.

That said, there are many benefits to babywearing, so there’s no need to stop if you’re already doing it. Just make sure to also provide some tummy time on a flat surface. This will help your baby develop strong muscles and bones.

Does Babywearing Count As Tummy Time

Table of Contents

Benefits To Babywearing

There are many benefits to babywearing for both babies and parents. 

Benefits For Babies

  • Wearing your baby close to you helps them regulate their body temperature and heartbeat, which can lead to better health overall. 
  • Wearing your baby also helps promote early communication and bonding between you and your child. 
  • Babywearing helps to promote the development of a healthy baby.

Benefits For Parents

  • Babywearing can be a great way to get things done around the house while keeping your baby close by. 
  • It can help reduce stress and fatigue.
  • Babywearing promotes bonding with your baby.
  • Overall, babywearing is a great way to provide your baby with love and security while also promoting their development and making life a little easier for you too.

Why is Babywearing Included in Tummy Time?

  • To strengthen your baby’s neck, back, and shoulder, and core muscles.
  • To help meet your baby’s developmental milestones.
  • To help prevent motor delays and disorders including flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) and twisted neck in children (positional torticollis).
  • Infants and toddlers spend more time in a “quiet alert” state, so babywearing keeps them alert in their environment.
  • While tummy time can help a baby relieve gas, babywearing puts the baby in a vertical position, which helps the digestive system and results in a less gassy infant.

Positions That Count As Tummy Time?

Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s day. It helps them to develop their motor skills, visual perception, and sense of smell by exercising these areas while they are on their stomach.

The beneficial effects of tummy time for your baby don’t stop when they turn one month’s old. They can continue tummy time throughout their first 365 days!

Some of the most common positions that count as tummy time are:

  • Lying on your back and propping your baby up so they are facing you.
  • Lying on your side with your baby propped up in front of you.
  • Lying on your stomach with your baby propped up in front of you.
  • Sitting upright with your baby propped up in front of you.
  • Leaning over a crib or playpen so that your baby can see what you are doing.
  • Putting your baby in a standing position and gently bouncing them up and down.

All of these positions are great for strengthening your baby’s neck and upper body muscles, which will help them to roll over, sit up, and crawl later on.

Be sure to mix things up and try out different positions to keep your baby interested and engaged.

When Can I Begin Babywearing?

In just a few short weeks, your baby will be able to share some of their first memories with you.

You can start wearing them right away as long as they are in an appropriate carrier and follow all safety guidelines for that specific type/brand – there’s no need to wait until it’s too late!

Carriers range from something light like 17lbs up towards toddler size ranges going past 40 pounds or more so make sure before purchasing one what weight limit would work best based on your preferences.

Of course, be sure to read and follow any size specifications that are included with your baby carrier. You never want it too big or small for your baby.

Alternatives To Tummy Time

Other than wearing your baby in a baby wrap or carrier, other ways to have tummy time with your infant include:

  • Cradle your baby on your arm, stomach down, with arms and legs extended on either side.
  • While lying on an inclined surface, hold your infant tummy-down on your chest.
  • Hold your baby in a burping position on your chest.
  • While breastfeeding, adopt a relaxed nursing position.

Is It Still Necessary For Me To Place A Baby On The Floor?

It’s true that babywearing and various holding positions count as “tummy time,” but you should still give your little one some floor play.

Babies get a chance to move around and play with toys, books, or even look at themselves in the mirror when they’re on the floor. It’s important for them not only to be stationary so that their muscles stay strong but also to give you time to play together as well.

When your baby is feeling stressed out during tummy time, just pick them up and place them in your carrier. Eventually, they might even grow to enjoy floor play. You’ll still be able to teach them how to roll over even if you wear your baby most of the time.

Final Thoughts

Some parents believe that babywearing does count as tummy time, while others feel that it is important to provide separate opportunities for tummy time.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual parent to decide what works best for their own family. If you choose to babywear your child, be sure to keep an eye on their positioning and ensure that they are getting enough tummy time.

If your child does not seem to enjoy tummy time, try different positions or activities until you find something that works for them. In the end, the most important thing is that your child is getting regular opportunities to move and explore their world.

Articles You Might Enjoy Reading

Share with your friends:

Sara Taylor

Sara Taylor

Sara is a freelance writer from the Midwest. As a mom of 3 boys, she knows how much abuse a stroller can take.