Can I Use a Pregnancy Pillow for Tummy Time?

When you’re in the whirlwind of pregnancy, it’s easy to accumulate more pillows than you ever thought possible. From under your belly to between your knees, these fluffy supports become your best friends. But what happens after the baby arrives? Can those trusty pregnancy pillows pull double duty, like, say, for tummy time?

Yes, a pregnancy pillow, especially a wedge-shaped one, can be used for tummy time in a pinch. It offers some support and cushioning for your baby. However, for the best results and optimal support during tummy time, consider options specifically designed for your baby’s developmental needs.

What is Tummy Time and Why is It Important?

Tummy time is one of those things you hear about constantly when you become a parent, and for a good reason. It refers to the practice of placing your baby on their stomach while they’re awake and supervised. 

This simple activity is crucial for your baby’s physical development. It strengthens their neck, shoulders, and arm muscles, which are essential for milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and eventually crawling. Tummy time also helps prevent the flat spots (known as flat head syndrome) that can develop on the back of a baby’s head from too much time spent lying on their back.

Can a Pregnancy Pillow Be Used for Tummy Time?

So, you’re looking at your pregnancy pillow and wondering if it can serve a new purpose now that your little one is here. The short answer is yes, a pregnancy pillow—especially a wedge-shaped one—can be used for tummy time. Our Butterfly Maternity Pillow®, with its supportive design, can provide a soft, cushioned surface that helps elevate your baby slightly, making it easier for them to lift their head and engage in tummy time.

If you’re planning to use our pregnancy pillow for tummy time, consider getting our nursing cover as well. The cover not only makes the pillow more versatile by transforming it into a supportive nursing pillow, but it also helps create a more stable surface for tummy time. This way, you can get double the use out of your pillow for both you and your baby’s needs.

However, while the pregnancy pillow can work in a pinch, it's still not specifically designed for tummy time. The pillow’s main job was to support your body during sleep, not to provide the firm, stable surface that’s ideal for your baby’s exercise. For the best results, our Baby Pod remains the optimal choice, as we’ll cover in the next section.

Why a Baby Pod is the Best Option for Tummy Time

When it comes to tummy time, our Butterfly Baby Pod is truly the star of the show. Unlike pregnancy pillows, which are versatile but not specialised for tummy time, a baby pod is designed with your baby’s development in mind. Here’s why it’s the better option:

A baby pod offers a firm yet comfortable surface that supports your baby’s body during tummy time. This firmness is important because it allows your baby to push against the surface, building muscle strength and coordination. The pod’s design also encourages better posture and muscle development, which are key components of your baby’s physical growth.

Moreover, the baby pod is incredibly stable and safe. It provides a secure, supervised environment where your baby can explore movement without the risk of sinking into a soft surface. This stability is particularly important as your baby begins to lift their head and push up on their arms—milestones that require a solid foundation.

Additional Tips for Effective Tummy Time

While having the right tools is important, there are other things you can do to make tummy time more enjoyable and beneficial for your baby:

1. Use Toys for Engagement: Place a few of your baby’s favourite toys within their line of sight to encourage them to reach and move during tummy time.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet: Start with just a few minutes of tummy time a couple of times a day, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets stronger.
3. Make It a Routine: Incorporate tummy time into your daily routine, perhaps after a diaper change or a nap, to make it a familiar and expected activity.
4. Incorporate Different Textures: Place your baby on a mat or blanket with different textures to stimulate their senses and keep them interested during tummy time.
5. Face-to-Face Interaction: Lie down in front of your baby during tummy time to encourage eye contact and interaction, making the experience more engaging for them.
6. Track Progress: Keep a log of your baby’s tummy time sessions to monitor their progress and gradually increase the time as they build strength.

FAQs About Tummy Time and Pillows 

Can I use a regular pillow for tummy time?

It’s not recommended. Regular pillows are too soft and don’t provide the necessary support for effective tummy time.

How soon should I start tummy time with my baby?

Start with short sessions, about 3-5 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable, aiming for about 10-15 minutes at least 3 times a day by approximately 4 months of age.

Is it okay if my baby doesn’t like tummy time?

It’s normal for babies to resist tummy time at first. Try to make it fun with toys and short sessions, and gradually increase the time as they get used to it.

What if my baby falls asleep during tummy time?

If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, gently turn them onto their back. Always supervise tummy time to ensure safety.

Closing Thoughts

While a pregnancy pillow can be used for tummy time, it’s not the ideal tool for the job. Our Butterfly Baby Pod, designed specifically for your bub's development, provides the support and stability needed for effective tummy time. By choosing the right tools, like our baby pod, you can help your baby reach those important developmental milestones with ease.

At Butterfly Maternity, we’re committed to providing products that support both moms and babies throughout their journey. Explore our range of high-quality maternity products to find the perfect solution for you and your little one. Sweet dreams and happy tummy time!

*The shape of the Butterfly Maternity Pillow® is a registered trade mark of Weekly Sales Pty Ltd