Why Does Baby Not Like Tummy Time?
It’s important to start Tummy Time from birth, but this new position takes time for newborns to get used to!
Babies may resist Tummy Time for a number of reasons, including a lack of strength, recent feeding, tiredness, and even boredom.
Help Baby enjoy Tummy Time by choosing the right time, starting slow, using different positions, and engaging them with toys.
Tummy Time is an important activity for Baby to start from birth. Those little muscles need strengthening to reach so many milestones, and Tummy Time can help Baby get there! But while Baby is getting the hang of this new position, they may not always enjoy it.
Many babies cry, fuss, or try to roll over during Tummy Time, so you’re not alone if Baby seems to hate it at first. If that sounds like your little one, what can you do to help them get in the Tummy Time they need? Read on to find out!
Why do babies need Tummy Time?
Just like adults, babies need exercise! Tummy Time is one of the best workouts to build the muscles in their neck, back, shoulders, and core. As these muscles get stronger with daily Tummy Time, Baby will work toward motor milestones like lifting their head, rolling, sitting, crawling, and more!
Because Baby spends a lot of time sleeping on their back, they also need daily Tummy Time to prevent flat spots from forming on their head. Learn about all the benefits of Tummy Time here.
How much Tummy Time should Baby get?
Baby should gradually work up to a daily Tummy Time total of 15-20 minutes by 2 months and an hour by 6 months. These daily goals can be broken up into smaller sessions throughout the day.
Daily Tummy Time should start as soon as Baby comes home from the hospital (babies in the NICU can get Tummy Time in with a healthcare provider’s help), but it doesn’t need to be on the floor right away! You can begin with a few short spurts of Tummy Time in alternative positions, such as Tummy to Tummy or a Football Hold (see all positions below!).
Common Reasons Babies Hate Tummy Time
Here are some reasons Baby is having trouble with Tummy Time, and what you can do to help!
1. They Aren't Used to It
After birth, Baby spends most of their time on their back or being held, so Tummy Time might feel a little strange to them!
Tip: Ease into a Tummy Time routine by doing small bursts after daily activities. For example, do a few minutes of Tummy Time after a diaper change or bath. This helps Baby know what to expect.
2. They Can’t Push Themselves Up Yet
In the early weeks, Baby doesn’t yet have the strength to lift their head or support themselves on their arms. So they may feel a little bit stuck during Tummy Time!
Tip: To make this feel better for Baby, try alternative Tummy Time positions, like the four positions in our video below. Tummy to Tummy is especially great if Baby likes staying close to you. You can also try placing a hand on their bottom, which shifts weight to their pelvis and helps them lift their head more easily.
3. They Just Ate
Putting pressure on a full belly can make Baby uncomfortable and cause them to spit up.
Tip: Do Tummy Time before feedings or wait at least 20-30 minutes after Baby feeds. Burp them to release trapped air and keep them upright while you wait to play (here are some activities you can do in the meantime!).
4. They Are Tired
Tummy Time should only be done when Baby is awake and alert. If Baby falls asleep during Tummy Time, roll them onto their back and let them sleep. Never let Baby sleep on their tummy.
Tip: Before and during Tummy Time, watch for Baby’s sleep cues. Closing fists, red or flushed eyebrows, a glazed-over look, and looking away all signal that Baby is getting sleepy. If they are crying, irritable, or rubbing their eyes frequently, they may be overtired.
5. They Are Bored
Yes, babies can get bored, too! Baby may be looking for something to keep them interested and engaged while on their tummy.
Tip: Try using mirrors, toys, or silly faces and sounds to keep Baby engaged. Get down on the floor with them and keep them entertained! This not only makes Tummy Time more fun, but also helps with communication, visual tracking, and bonding.
Should I still do Tummy Time if Baby is crying?
Crying is a sign that Baby is feeling uncomfortable. Because it’s best for Tummy Time to be a positive, playful experience for Baby, take a break from Tummy Time if Baby is crying. Try to soothe Baby, and if they are alert and relaxed, try Tummy Time again. Remember, even a few minutes a day makes a difference.
What if Baby keeps rolling over during Tummy Time?
Once Baby can roll from tummy to back, they may want to show off their new skill during Tummy Time! This can make it hard to keep them on their tummy. If this happens, try:
Tummy Time on an exercise ball: This works best if Baby can hold their head up on their own. Place Baby tummy down on an exercise ball while holding their sides for support. You can even slowly move the ball closer and further from you (while always holding Baby), allowing Baby to lift and hold their head more easily.
Tummy Time in your lap: If Baby rolls over frequently, you may have more control over their movements if they are in your lap. Try out the Lap Soothe position: place Baby across your thighs (pressed together) and use one hand to rub Baby’s back. You can use the other hand to engage them with a toy.
Alternative Ways to Do Tummy Time with a Newborn
Baby can still get the benefits of Tummy Time without being in a typical Tummy Time position. Watch below to see alternative Tummy Time positions and other Tummy Time tips from an expert pediatric physical therapist!
