 [ Symptoms ] how old is time for tummy time [ Disease ] a good time to start tummy time while baby is awake is soon after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off usually within 1 to 3 weeks after birth place baby on a firm surface such as on a towel or blanket on the floor and allow him to practice raising his head and pushing up on his arms and hands if baby does not like it much at first try just a minute or two about twice a day as he gets older you can work up to 10 or 15 minutes at a time a few times a day just be sure to supervise him at all times and be careful that he does not roll off of a bed or a couch the first time a baby rolls could be onto the floor