Strengthening Bonds Through Tummy Time

How simple moments can support early development—and why they matter.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is an evidence-based home visiting program that supports families from pregnancy through kindergarten. At Families Forward RC, we focus on supporting families during pregnancy through age 3. Our goal is simple but powerful: to help parents build strong, healthy connections with their children from the very beginning.

Through personal visits, hands-on parent-child activities, and developmental guidance, PAT helps empower caregivers to become their child’s first and most important teacher. Our trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as parent educators, offering one-on-one support and connecting families with the resources they need to thrive.

One of the ways we encourage bonding and early development is through activities like Tummy Time Together—a small but meaningful practice that supports your baby’s growth while deepening your connection.

Bonding Activity: Tummy Time Together

Tummy time helps babies develop strong neck and shoulder muscles, improve motor skills, and prepare for milestones like crawling and sitting up. But it also provides a beautiful opportunity for bonding.

To start, lay your baby on a soft blanket on the floor, and lie down facing them. Talk, sing, smile, or make silly faces to keep them engaged. You can also place a mirror or favorite toy nearby to make it more fun. Your baby will enjoy the sound of your voice and the comfort of your presence—helping them feel safe, seen, and supported.

Here’s a simple guide to tummy time by age:

• Newborn to 1 month: Start with 1–2 minutes at a time, 2–3 times a day.

• 1 to 2 months: Increase to 5 minutes, 3–4 times a day.

• 3 to 4 months: Aim for a total of 20–30 minutes per day, broken into shorter sessions.

• By 6 months: Work up to 60 minutes per day, spread throughout the day.

At Families Forward RC, we believe that small, everyday moments—like tummy time—can have a big impact on your child’s future. If you’re pregnant or parenting a child under age 3, our PAT program is here to support you with home visits, expert guidance, and activities like these designed to build strong foundations.

Want to learn more? Ask us about enrolling in Parents as Teachers and let’s grow together.