When your baby is tiny, most of the day seems to revolve around feeding, sleeping, burping and diaper changes. So when someone says, “Give your baby some floor time,” you might wonder - why does my baby need that?

Floor time is simply giving your baby opportunities to move and play on a safe, firm surface while they're awake and supervised. It doesn't need fancy equipment or complicated activities. A little space on the floor can actually give your baby plenty of opportunities to explore movement.

Floor time means allowing your baby to spend some awake time moving freely on the floor instead of always being in a swing, rocker, stroller or other baby seat.

For young babies, this can include tummy time, reaching for toys, moving their arms and legs, turning their head and simply exploring their surroundings.

The WHO recommends that infants be physically active several times throughout the day, particularly through interactive floor-based play. For babies who aren't mobile yet, this includes tummy time spread throughout the day while they're awake.

1. It Helps Build Strength

When your baby moves on the floor, they get opportunities to work their neck, shoulders, arms, back and tummy muscles.

Tummy time is especially useful for building the strength babies need as they gradually work towards milestones such as rolling, sitting and crawling.

2. It Encourages Movement

On the floor, your baby has space to kick, stretch, reach and turn.

You don't need to teach them every movement. Give them a safe space and let them explore at their own pace.

3. It Makes Tummy Time Easier

Not every baby loves tummy time at first. Some may fuss the moment you place them on their tummy.

Try getting down at their level, talking to them, smiling at them or placing an age-appropriate toy nearby. Keeping sessions short and repeating them throughout the day can make it easier.

Always supervise tummy time and keep your baby awake during it. Tummy time is for play, not sleep.

This is where a baby play mat or clean floor surface becomes useful. Choose a surface that is clean, firm and comfortable enough for your baby's floor play. If your little one is likely to have a diaper leak or spit-up accident, a waterproof dry sheet underneath can also make cleanup much easier.

As your baby starts spending more time playing, a play gym can turn a simple floor space into a little activity corner.

There isn't one exact number that works for every baby.

The WHO recommends that babies under one year have physical activity several times a day, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread throughout the day while awake for babies who aren't yet mobile.

You can start with short periods and gradually build up as your baby becomes more comfortable.

And remember more isn't always better if your baby is tired, hungry or unhappy. Follow your baby's cues.

Floor time doesn't have to be complicated.

A clean, safe surface, a little space and your presence are often enough to get started. As your baby grows, those few minutes of kicking and reaching can turn into rolling, sitting, crawling and eventually exploring the whole house.

So don't worry about creating the perfect play area. Give your baby a safe space to move, stay nearby and let them explore.