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Tummy time play

Time: 10 min Checked: 10 August 2026 Cerebral palsy

Goal

Strengthen neck, back and shoulder muscles — the foundation for sitting and standing.

What you need

A soft mat · A towel roll (if recommended by your specialist) · Bright toys at eye level

Important:Whether and how long tummy time is appropriate with CP is decided by your rehabilitation specialist. Stop if there's clear discomfort or worsening posture patterns.

How to do it

  1. Place your child on their tummy on a flat mat.
  2. Put toys in front of them at eye level.
  3. Draw attention to the toys with your voice and sounds.
  4. Start with 2–3 minutes, gradually increasing the time.
  5. Hold these short sessions several times a day.
How to know it worked:The child lifts and holds their head a little longer than before, lying calmly on their tummy for several minutes.

Source: Positioning and muscle-strengthening principles for CP; Cerebral Palsy Foundation resources