Why Developmental Positions Matter in Infant Play

Baby Playing on Back

When we think about infant play, it’s easy to picture colorful toys, rattles, and tummy time mats. But one of the most important parts of development during the first year of life is how babies move and play in different positions throughout the day. Simple everyday experiences like lying on the tummy, side, and back help babies build the foundation for future movement.

From the very beginning, babies are learning how their bodies move against gravity. As they wiggle, stretch, lift their heads, and bring their hands together, they are building strength, coordination, and important connections within the nervous system. These early movement experiences also help integrate primitive reflexes, which are automatic movement patterns babies are born with that support early survival and development.

You may notice some of these reflexes in your baby already. The startle reflex, turning the head to one side while the arm extends, or tightly grasping your finger are all examples of primitive reflexes. Over time, as babies gain more control of their bodies through movement and play, these reflexes gradually become less dominant while more mature movement patterns take over. Natural movement experiences like tummy time, rolling, reaching, and crawling play a huge role in this process.

One of the best-known developmental positions is tummy time, and for good reason. Spending supervised awake time on the tummy helps babies strengthen the muscles in their neck, shoulders, trunk, and hips. These muscles are essential for later skills like rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Tummy time also helps babies learn to lift and turn their heads against gravity, supporting visual development and body awareness.

For many newborns, tummy time can feel hard at first, and that’s completely normal. Starting slowly and making it part of everyday routines can make a big difference. Some babies tolerate tummy time better when it begins on a parent’s chest, over a rolled towel, or on a slight incline such as a wedge pillow. Even short periods throughout the day count and help build strength and endurance over time.

Tummy time also gives babies opportunities to shift their weight, push into their arms, and eventually pivot or reach for toys. These small movements may not seem significant, but they help babies develop balance, coordination, and more controlled movement patterns. Placing toys slightly off to one side can encourage babies to turn their heads, reach across their bodies, and visually track objects — all important developmental skills.

Another wonderful but often overlooked position is side-lying play. When babies are on their sides, they naturally have an easier time bringing their hands together at the middle of their body. This “midline play” is important because it supports coordination between both sides of the body, visual skills, and self-soothing. Side-lying also makes movement feel a little easier because gravity is reduced compared to tummy time.

In side-lying, babies often spend more time looking at their hands, reaching for toys, and bringing objects to their mouths. It can be a calming and organizing position for babies who tend to arch backward or become overwhelmed easily during play. Sometimes the simplest position changes can make play feel more successful and enjoyable for both babies and parents.

Playing on the back is important too, especially when babies are actively interacting with their environment. While lying on their backs, babies begin discovering their hands and feet, strengthening their abdominal muscles, and practicing movements that eventually lead to rolling. Encouraging babies to reach for their knees, feet, or toys helps build core strength and body awareness in a playful, natural way.

As babies grow stronger, movement becomes even more exciting. Rolling across the floor, pivoting in circles, rocking on hands and knees, and eventually crawling are all major developmental accomplishments. Crawling strengthens both sides of the body while encouraging coordination between the arms and legs. These experiences support balance, motor planning, sensory processing, and overall body control.

One of the most amazing parts of infant development is how much babies learn simply by moving against gravity. Every time a baby lifts their head, pushes up on their arms, shifts their weight, or reaches for a toy, their body and brain are working together. These movement experiences help babies better understand where their bodies are in space and how to move with increasing confidence and control.

The good news is that developmental play does not need to be complicated. Babies do not need fancy equipment or structured exercises to learn and grow. Some of the best developmental opportunities come from simple floor play, face-to-face interaction with caregivers, freedom to move, and time spent exploring different positions throughout the day.

Most importantly, every baby develops at their own pace. The goal is not to rush milestones, but to create opportunities for movement, exploration, and connection.

Dr. Rebecca Turkel is the Owner of Warm Heart Wellness located in Natick, MA.  She is a Craniosacral Fascial Therapist, Licensed Pediatric Physical Therapist, Certified Early Intervention Specialist, Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Certified in Neonatal Behavior Observation, Certified Tummy Time Method Practitioner and Integrative Breastfeeding Educator. 

Dr. Turkel has over 19 years’ experience working with families in an Early Intervention setting as a Developmental Specialist and Physical Therapist as well as 15 years’ experience working at Boston Children's Hospital as a Physical Therapist.