Positions to Support Your Baby’s Strength and Development

As your child grows, they improve motor (movement) skills, strength, and balance. Using different positions can help your child meet developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and reaching.  

While tools like baby seats, car seats, walkers, and strollers are convenient, limit time in these if possible. Baby seats keep your baby from using their own muscles. Having free floor time allows your baby to move, explore, and gain skills and strength. When needed, hold your baby in your arms or in a sling rather than a seat that limits movement.  

Always place your baby in a car seat when riding in a vehicle. Be sure the car seat is supportive and fits your child’s age and size.  

Benefits of positions for your baby

Trying different positions with your baby throughout the day supports their growth and development. Simple position changes can help to: 

• Build strength in the neck, shoulders, arms, and core (tummy, back, and hips) 
• Build age-appropriate skills like rolling, sitting, crawling, and reaching 
• Help your baby move and develop both sides of the body 
• Encourage brain development and body awareness 
• Improve visual motor skills  
• Prevent flat spots on the head and sores on the skin (pressure sores) 
• Improve digestion and breathing 
• Build confidence and provide fun 
• Create bonding time for you and your baby 

Supplies needed

Toys and other devices can help position your child. Always watch your baby and stay close by to make sure they are safe. You may need to hold your baby or help them use these devices. Optional supplies include: 

• Small pillow 
• Towel roll 
• Blanket roll 
• Boppy^® pillow 
• Exercise ball  
• Toys, musical instruments, toy mirrors, books 
• Activity table 
• Activity box 
• Floor mat 

Side-lying position with a towel roll

The side-lying position helps your baby develop strength and move toward rolling over. Place a rolled towel along the back of your baby’s body. Have them lie on a flat surface.  

Change sides each time you try this position. Supervise your baby. When side-lying, make sure their head, neck, and body are in a straight line as much as possible. Encourage them to bring their hands together to grasp a toy or play.    

Tummy time positions 

Tummy time 

Tummy time helps your baby gain the strength to lift their head. It strengthens their neck and upper body muscles. This skill helps them move on to rolling, sitting, and crawling. 

For tummy time, place your baby on their stomach on a firm, low, and safe surface. Eventually, your baby will lift their head. Try this position with your baby at least 3 times a day. This takes a lot of effort at first. If your baby does not want to do tummy time, you may try: 

• Tummy down carry (football hold; your baby rests on your arm on their stomach)   
• Tummy to chest (your baby lies on their stomach on your chest) 

Make sure your baby’s arms are forward with their elbows under their shoulders. Turn tummy time into play time with books, musical instruments, toys, or mirrors. Lie on the floor on your stomach with your child so that they can see your face.  

Let your baby try to lift their head on their own, and don’t force it. If your baby gets tired or frustrated, move on to another activity. Short practice sessions during the day can help.  

Tummy time with a towel roll 

If your baby has trouble with tummy time, try placing a towel roll or Boppy® pillow to help them keep the position.  

To make a towel roll, tightly roll a small towel or blanket. Put the towel roll under your baby’s chest and shoulders, with their arms facing forward. You may also place towel rolls along the side of your baby’s body for more support. 

Let your baby try to lift their head on their own, and don’t force it. If your baby gets tired or frustrated, move on to another activity. Short practice sessions during the day can help.  

If your baby has a port, central line, or other medical device, talk to your health care provider before trying tummy time.   

Prop (supported) sitting

Prop sitting (also called supported sitting or tripod sitting) is a good way for your baby to practice sitting up. Prop sitting builds core strength, head and neck control, and balance. Prop sitting helps them move toward sitting on their own.  

Sit your baby on a firm surface. Place pillows or towels around their hips or sides. Watch that your baby’s head, spine, and hips stay in a line and not slouched.  

Babies often start prop sitting by leaning forward and using their hands for support around 6 months of age.  

Prop sitting with a toy

 Adding a toy to prop sitting encourages movement and play. It can keep your baby alert and engaged in the sitting position. Using a toy helps practice the skills of reaching, grasping, and hand-eye coordination. Switch out toys to keep your baby interested.   

Sit close by or place a pillow behind your baby in case they lose their balance and fall backward. 

Sitting with support (Boppy® pillow)

Place your baby sitting on the floor with a Boppy^® pillow around their waist or hips. Make sure your baby is sitting upright and not slouching. Stay within arm’s reach to keep your baby from falling over.  

A supportive baby seat, such as the Upseat^®, can also encourage upright posture when used properly. 

Sitting unsupported

Once your baby has good head control and has practiced tummy time and supported sitting, they will be able to sit on their own.  

Babies usually begin to sit independently without their hands at around 9 months.  

Stay close to your baby while they master this skill. Use a soft surface or mat for cushioning. Let your baby get into the sitting position on their own when possible.  

All fours positions

All fours (assisted)

The all fours position helps your baby get ready for crawling. You can support your baby with your hands, legs, rolled towels, or a pillow. Gently help them into the position.  

Make sure their head, neck, and hips are in a straight line, not arched or sagging. Stay close to your baby. Try this position for a few seconds at a time at first.  

All fours (unassisted) 

Once your baby is ready, they will practice the all fours position without help. You may start practicing this position with your baby starting around 7–9 months. 

Your baby may rock back and forth or reach for toys while in all fours. Play with them to encourage movement.  

Tall kneeling

Tall kneeling helps your baby get ready for standing and walking. Your baby kneels on a soft but firm floor with their body upright. This position builds strength in the hips, thighs, and core.  

Your baby may use an activity table or other toy for support. Make sure that any surface or toys they hold onto are stable. 

Safety reminders about positions for your baby 

Remember these safety reminders when positioning your baby: 

• Place your baby on their back in their crib on a firm mattress for sleeping. There should be nothing else in the crib.  
• Encourage your baby to do these activities only when they are awake. 
• Always watch your baby during tummy time and other positions.  
• If your baby gets frustrated or tired, take a break. 
• Limit time in swings, bouncers, walkers, and baby seats. Use all equipment as directed. Make sure the equipment fits properly and is right for their age. 
• Always support your baby’s head and neck if they cannot do it on their own.  
• Do not leave your baby by themself on a bed, couch, changing table, or other high surface.  

Tips for avoiding flat spots or pressure sores 

Staying in the same position for long periods of time can lead to flat spots on your baby’s head or pressure sores on their body. To avoid these: 

• Change their position often. 
• Practice tummy time daily. 
• Limit time in car seats, swings, bouncers, and baby seats. 
• Check your baby’s head for flat spots. 
• Check your baby’s skin for redness or irritation. 

When to call your care team

Contact your care team if your baby has the following signs or symptoms: 

• Trouble breathing or fast or slow breathing  
• Signs of discomfort, distress, or pain. 
• Using one side of their body more than the other 
• Trouble moving their head or body. 
• Flat area on their head or redness or bruising on their skin 
• Stiff or floppy movements 

Let your care team know if you have questions about how to position your child, use equipment, or infant positioning in general.  

Questions to ask your care team about positions for your baby 

• How can these positions help my baby’s development? 
• Which positions are most helpful? 
• How long and how often should my baby do these positions each day? 
• Can my baby do tummy time with a port or line? 
• How can I tell if my baby is uncomfortable or needs a break? 
• What supplies or equipment should I use? 
• Is my baby meeting developmental milestones? 
• Does my baby need support from a physical therapist or occupational therapist? 
• When should I call the care team? 

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