Why Does Baby Not Like Tummy Time?
- Tummy Time is essential for a baby’s motor and sensory development, aiming for at least an hour per day by 3 months, divided into shorter sessions.
- Babies may resist Tummy Time due to unfamiliarity, inability to push up, boredom, rolling over, recent feeding, or tiredness. Various strategies can help, like integrating it into daily routines, using different positions, and engaging toys or mirrors.
- If a baby cries during Tummy Time, take a break and soothe them before trying again to ensure it remains a positive experience
Tummy Time is an important activity for baby to do in the first 6 months! Because baby sleeps on their back, it’s crucial to get time on their tummy while they’re awake to help with motor and sensory development, and prevent positional plagiocephaly.
When baby is first born, their core needs strengthening. With practice, baby will get a stronger! But while baby is still getting the hang of Tummy Time, they may not always enjoy it. Many babies may cry or try to roll over during Tummy Time. If this sounds like your little one, what can you do to help them get in the Tummy Time they need?
How much Tummy Time should baby get?
Tummy Time can start as soon as baby comes home from the hospital (and if baby spends some time in the NICU, they might also do Tummy Time there, with the help of a healthcare provider). Baby will start by doing just a few short spurts of Tummy Time throughout the day. Aim to achieve at least an hour of Tummy Time total per day by 3 months of age. This hour of Tummy Time can be broken up into smaller parts.
Why does baby not like Tummy Time?
Here are some of the main reasons baby may not be a fan of Tummy Time, and what you can do to help!
Baby isn’t used to Tummy Time
Baby spends most of their time on their back or being held in the early months of life, so Tummy Time might feel a little strange to them!
- Try making Tummy Time a part of your daily routine. You can do Tummy Time after a diaper change or bath. This helps baby know what to expect.
Baby can’t push themselves up yet
In the early months, baby isn’t able to push up on arms or lift their head. So they may feel a little bit stuck during Tummy Time!
- To make this feel better before baby try the four Tummy Time positions, especially Tummy to Tummy. This gives baby time to be close to you and lay on your chest, while also strengthening their core, back and neck muscles.
Baby rolls over onto their back
Once baby is able to 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.
- Try doing Tummy Time on an exercise ball. This works best if baby is able to 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.
- You can also do Tummy Time in your lap. If baby is rolling over frequently, you may have more control over their movements if they are in your lap. Try out the Lap Soothe position.
Baby is bored
Baby may be looking for something to keep them interested and engaged while on their tummy!
- 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 helps with communication, visual tracking, and bonding, but also may make Tummy Time more fun for baby.
Baby just ate
If baby is still digesting their food, they may feel a little uncomfortable during Tummy Time, which can lead to crying and resisting. Try waiting at least 20-30 minutes after baby feeds to do Tummy Time.
Baby is 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.
Should I still do Tummy Time if baby is crying?
Crying is a sign from your baby that they are 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.
Are these other positions baby can try?
There are ways that baby can get the benefits of Tummy Time without being in a typical Tummy Time position. Watch below to see some Tummy Time tips and alternative positions from an expert pediatric physical therapist!
