How To Help a Baby Who Hates Tummy Time
Many parents worry when their baby hates tummy time, especially when they’ve been told how important it is for development.
One of the most common things I hear from parents in practice is:
“My baby cries every time I try tummy time.”
The good news is that this is incredibly common. Many babies find tummy time challenging in the early weeks because it requires strength, coordination and working against gravity.
With the right approach, tummy time can become a much more positive experience for both you and your baby.
In this article I’ll explain:
• Why tummy time matters for development
• The most common reasons babies dislike tummy time
• How much tummy time babies need by age
• Gentle alternatives if your baby struggles
• When to seek professional advice
Why Tummy Time Is Important
Tummy time refers to placing your baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised.
Although it may seem simple, tummy time plays an important role in both neurological and physical development.
When babies spend time on their tummy they activate important muscles and sensory systems that help build the foundation for future milestones such as:
rolling
sitting
crawling
standing and walking
Neurological Development
When babies lift their head against gravity, their brain receives important feedback from the muscles and joints in the neck, shoulders and spine.
This sensory information helps the brain learn how to control movement and coordinate the body.
Tummy time helps support:
• development of postural control
• sensory processing
• integration of early reflexes
• communication between the brain and body
These early experiences help build the pathways the brain uses for movement, balance and coordination later in life.
Physical Development
Physically, tummy time strengthens key muscle groups including:
• neck muscles
• shoulder stability
• upper back muscles
• core strength
These muscles are essential for later milestones.
For example:
Head control → Rolling
Rolling → Sitting
Sitting → Crawling
Crawling → Standing and walking
Tummy time also helps reduce the likelihood of positional plagiocephaly, or flattening of the back of the head, which has become more common since babies began sleeping on their backs for safe sleep.
5 Reasons Babies Hate Tummy Time
If your baby cries during tummy time, there is usually a reason behind it.
Below are some of the most common reasons babies struggle with this position.
1. Neck and Upper Body Strength Is Still Developing
In the early weeks of life, babies have limited strength in the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Lifting the head while lying on the tummy requires these muscles to work against gravity.
For many babies this simply feels like hard work at first.
Just like any new movement, strength develops gradually with practice.
2. Your Baby May Have a Preferred Side
Some babies develop a preference for turning their head more easily to one side.
This can happen due to positioning during pregnancy, birth factors, or mild muscle tightness in the neck.
If a baby prefers looking one direction, tummy time can feel uncomfortable because it requires them to use both sides of their neck and body.
3. Your Baby Feels Frustrated
When babies are placed on their tummy, their view of the world changes.
Instead of easily seeing faces and surroundings, they suddenly need to lift their head to look around.
This can feel frustrating if they don’t yet have the strength to do so.
4. Sensory Sensitivity
Tummy time provides a lot of new sensory input.
For some babies, this can feel overwhelming at first while their nervous system is still learning to process these sensations.
Starting with very short sessions can help babies adjust more comfortably.
5. Tummy Time Feels Like Hard Work
Tummy time is essentially your baby’s first workout.
It activates muscles that support future milestones like rolling and crawling.
Because these muscles are still developing, babies often tire quickly at first.
With time and repetition, most babies gradually become more comfortable in the position.
How Much Tummy Time Should Babies Have?
One of the biggest misconceptions about tummy time is that it needs to be done for long periods.
In reality, tummy time works best when it is done little and often throughout the day.
Short sessions repeated regularly are far more effective than trying to do one long session.
Here is a general guideline.
Newborn (0–4 weeks)
Start with very short sessions.
1–2 minutes at a time
4–6 times per day
Chest-to-chest tummy time is often easiest for newborns.
1–2 Months
Babies gradually begin to lift their heads more.
Aim for 15–20 minutes total per day, spread across several sessions.
3 Months
Many babies begin pushing up on their forearms.
Aim for 30–45 minutes per day in total.
4–6 Months
Babies begin pushing up through their arms and preparing for rolling.
Aim for 45–60 minutes per day, spread throughout the day.
Remember, this time does not need to happen all at once.
Alternatives If Your Baby Hates Tummy Time
If your baby becomes upset when placed directly on the floor, there are several alternatives that can still help them develop the same muscles and movement patterns.
Chest-to-Chest Tummy Time
Lie back slightly and place your baby on your chest facing you.
Your baby will naturally lift their head to look at your face.
This is often one of the easiest ways to introduce tummy time.
Football Hold
In this position your baby lies face-down along your forearm with their head near your elbow.
This allows them to practice lifting their head while feeling secure in your arms.
Lap Tummy Time
Place your baby tummy-down across your thighs while sitting.
You can talk or sing to encourage your baby to lift their head and engage with their surroundings.
Supported Tummy Time
Some babies struggle on the floor because they cannot lift their chest high enough.
Placing a small rolled towel under the chest can provide support while they build strength.
Tummy Time on an Exercise Ball
An exercise ball can be used to gently introduce tummy time.
Place your baby tummy-down on the ball while holding them securely and gently roll the ball forward and back.
Always keep both hands on your baby when using this technique.
When To Seek Professional Advice
While many babies simply need time and practice, there are some signs that it may be helpful to seek advice from a health professional.
You may wish to speak with your GP, paediatrician or a practitioner experienced in infant development if you notice:
• persistent head tilt
• strong preference for turning the head to one side
• difficulty turning the head both ways
• flat spots developing on the head
• poor head control after 3 months
• persistent distress during tummy time
Early support can often help babies move more comfortably and reach their developmental milestones.
Free Guide: Tummy Time Without Tears
If your baby struggles with tummy time, I’ve created a free guide for parents explaining:
• why tummy time matters for development
• how much babies need at different ages
• red flags to watch for
• simple alternatives when babies dislike tummy time
Download the guide here:
About Dr Carolyn Hawke
I’m Dr Carolyn Hawke, a chiropractor with a special interest in pregnancy, postpartum care and children’s development.
In my work with babies and families, I often see parents who simply want to understand what’s normal and how to support their baby’s early movement and development.
I practice at Pando Society in Elwood, supporting families across St Kilda, Balaclava, Brighton and Melbourne’s Bayside community.
Final Thoughts
If your baby hates tummy time, remember that this is very common.
Tummy time is a new movement challenge, and babies often need time to build the strength and coordination required for this position.
Short, frequent opportunities throughout the day can help your baby gradually build strength and confidence.
And if you ever feel unsure about your baby’s development, seeking advice early can help provide reassurance and support.
