(HealthDay News) -- While infants should never sleep on their stomach, tummy time while an infant is awake and being watched is important for baby's development, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.

The academy mentions these suggestions to make "tummy time" fun for baby:

• With baby on his tummy, place a favorite toy just a little bit out of reach to encourage him to stretch for it.
• Surround baby with a circle of toys to encourage strengthening muscles by reaching in different directions.
• Once baby is old enough, place baby belly-down on your chest so he will pick up his head to look at your face.
• Encourage other young children to play with baby during tummy time, as long as you carefully supervise them together.