Tummy time is the name given to time you dedicate to placing your baby on their tummy...no hidden meaning there. 

But why? Does your baby need to do tummy time? Is there a particular way this should be practiced?

1. Why? The concept of 'tummy time' evolved in response to the 'Back to Sleep' safe sleep campaign of the 1990's. As parents began to be told to place their babies on their backs for sleep, they inevitable began spending less time actively placing their baby on their tummy. 

2. There is no need to think of 'tummy time' as a specific activity that needs to be done. It is more that you shouldn't actively avoid allowing your baby time on their tummy as it is in this position that babies get a chance to strengthen and develop in certain ways. As well as strengthening your baby's neck, shoulder and arm muscles - all important areas when it comes to later skills such as sitting up, crawling and walking - spending time on their tummy also means pressure is taken off their very malleable skull. More time spent lying on their backs also means they risk developing flat-head syndrome. 

3. There is no particular way your baby should spend time on their tummy - you could lie on the sofa or in bed with your baby on your chest. You could place your baby on your upright knees looking out at the room. You could place them on their changing mat after changing, or on a play mat. You can add supports to help prop their head and chest up (you can buy specifically designed 'Tummy Time Cushions' for this reason but a rolled up muslin or towel will also do! If you baby-wear in a sling, baby is technically also experiencing 'tummy time' just in a gentler, more low-impact way with more control than the higher-impact floor position. Periods of tummy time don't have to be long (although they may feel it for your baby!) - a few 3-5 minute sessions a day from birth is enough. This can then be extended to more like 15-30 minutes of total tummy time a day by 2 months old. 

In terms of entertainment for your little one while practicing, I can recommend black and white pictures at eye level, a mirror that they can admire themselves in, and you...get down to their level and tummy time with them!