Gentle Ways to Cuddle Your Newborn (That Count as Tummy Time)
By Ali Day, Paediatric Physiotherapist and mum of two | Author of The Baby Playbook
A visual guide showing different tummy time positions including chest-to-chest cuddles, held up over a shoulder, across a parent’s lap, demonstrating gentle, varied ways to build strength and comfort.
Bringing your newborn home is beautiful—but it can also leave you Googling things like:
“How much tummy time does my newborn need?”
“What if my baby hates tummy time?”
“How do I support my baby’s development from day one?”
Here’s what most parents aren’t told:
Tummy time doesn’t have to be on the floor to be effective.
In fact, some of the most powerful ways to support newborn development and milestones happen through simple, everyday cuddles.
Inside The Baby Playbook (available on Amazon.com for overseas buyers here) we focus on realistic, evidence-based ways to support your baby’s development, without pressure or rigid routines. We encorporate purposeful play through guided holds and bonding with your bub.
What Counts as Tummy Time for Newborns?
Tummy time is any position where your baby is on their tummy and working against gravity.
This helps build:
Neck strength
Head control
Shoulder stability
Core strength
These are the foundations for rolling, sitting, and crawling.
If you’re unsure what to expect, start with our Newborn Milestones Guide (0–3 Months)to understand what’s developmentally appropriate.
1. Snuggled in a Wrap or Carrier
Using a baby wrap or carrier is one of the easiest ways to build tummy time into your day.
Your baby will:
Lift and turn their head
Activate neck and postural muscles
Build tolerance to upright positioning
Perfect for parents searching:
tummy time alternatives
newborn tummy time ideas
Learn how to position your baby safely in our Babywearing for Development Guide (coming soon!)
2. Chest-to-Chest on the Couch
Reclining on the couch with your baby on your chest is one of the best tummy time positions for newborns.
Why it works:
Encourages natural head lifting
Builds neck strength gently
Feels calm and regulated
Ideal if your baby:
Cries during floor tummy time
Prefers contact and closeness
For more ways to make tummy time easier, visit Tummy Time for Babies Who Hate It (blogging soon!)
3. Lying Baby on Your Body (Supported Recline)
Leaning back with your baby lying along your torso creates a gentle incline.
This:
Reduces effort required
Helps babies tolerate longer periods
Encourages visual engagement
Perfect for:
Early newborn stage
Building confidence with movement
Follow a step-by-step progression in The Baby Playbook (available on Amazon.com for overseas buyers here).
4. The Wombat Hold
A beautiful, supported upright hold where your baby sits along your forearm.
Supports:
Early trunk control
Head alignment
Sensory regulation
Best for parents searching:
how to hold a newborn for development
Explore more everyday positions in Newborn Play Ideas at Home (coming soon!)
5. The Football Hold (Tummy Down Over Arm)
A physiotherapy favourite for a reason.
Your baby:
Lies tummy-down along your arm
Works against gravity
Builds shoulder and neck strength
Great for:
Short bursts of tummy time
Babies who resist the floor
Learn how long to aim for in How Much Tummy Time Does My Baby Need? (find out more soon!)
6. Over-the-Shoulder Hold
Holding your baby upright over your shoulder does more than help with burping.
It supports:
Head control
Postural strength
Early milestone development
Not sure what milestones come next? Donwload Developmental Milestones in the First Two Years
How Much Tummy Time Does a Newborn Need?
You’ll often see:
“Start with 1–2 minutes”
“Work up to 30–60 minutes daily”
But here’s the key:
It all counts.
Cuddles count.
Little and often wins.
If you’re feeling unsure, this is explained very gently inside The Baby Playbook (Available on Amazon.com).
Why These Gentle Methods Work
These cuddle-based tummy time positions:
Support gross motor development
Build strength without stress
Help babies feel safe while learning
Reduce frustration (for baby and parent)
They’re also far more achievable in real life—especially during the fourth trimester.
A Simpler Way to Support Your Baby’s Development
If you’ve been searching:
newborn tummy time tips
baby development 0-3 months
how to play with a newborn
You don’t need more complicated routines.
You just need simple, guided ways to use what you’re already doing.
That’s exactly what you’ll find inside The Baby Playbook (available on Amazon.com here) a practical, coffee-table guide designed to support your baby’s development in everyday moments through gentle, purposeful play.
Disclaimer: This page is intended to be educational and informative only and should not be taken as, or replace, individual medical advice. This should act as a guide only. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment if you have any concerns with your little one.
Every child is unique and should be assessed individually.